Interactions - Help & Support

Discover how English idioms like "stick up for" and "hat in hand" relate to help and support in English.

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the [shirt] off {one's} [back] [phrase]

everything a person has to offer for helping someone, even things that they need for themselves

Ex: He 's the type of friend who would give you the shirt off his back if you asked for it .

to [throw] {oneself} at {one's} feet [phrase]

to beg someone for help or forgiveness

Ex:

to [take|pick] up the cudgels [phrase]

to show one's support of someone or something by defending them at any cost

Ex: During the heated debate , he took up the cudgels for his team , passionately arguing their case to secure victory .

to [take] {sb} under {one's} wing [phrase]

to kindly help or protect someone, particularly someone who is young or not experienced enough

Ex:

to stick up for [verb]

to show strong support for a person or thing when they are faced with danger or criticism

Ex: He bravely stuck up for his beliefs , even when his opinions were met with opposition and criticism .

shoulder to shoulder [phrase]

together working toward a shared aim

Ex: The activists marched shoulder to shoulder , demanding justice and equality for all .

to share and share alike [phrase]

to give or take things equally and in a way that is fair to everyone

Ex: The team members agreed to share and share alike the workload , dividing tasks evenly to ensure a fair distribution of responsibilities .

to [scratch] {one's} back [phrase]

to offer someone help, usually while expecting them a favor in exchange

Ex: John helped his colleague with a project , hoping that his colleague would scratch his back by recommending him for a future opportunity .

to [open] {one's} [heart] to {sb/sth} [phrase]

to be willing to help or support a person, cause, etc., often by offering money

Ex: The company 's CEO opened his heart to the startup , investing a substantial amount of capital to help fuel its growth and success .

on bended [knee] [phrase]

used to describe kneeling as a sign of deep respect for someone

Ex: The diplomat bowed on bended knee when meeting the foreign dignitary , following diplomatic protocol .

shoulder to cry on [phrase]

a person who listens to someone's problems and encourages them and gives them emotional support

Ex: The support group offered a safe space for individuals to share their struggles and find a collective shoulder to cry on .

knight in shining armor [phrase]

someone who bravely saves another from a danger or difficulty

Ex: When she was stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire , a kind stranger stopped to help , acting as her knight in shining armor .

to [put|set] {one's} [mind] at (rest|ease) [phrase]

to assure someone that they no longer need to worry about a particular person or thing

Ex: Receiving an apology from her friend helped set her mind at rest and restored their friendship .

under the auspices of {sb/sth} [phrase]

while being supported by or under the protection of someone or something

Ex: The peace negotiations were held under the auspices of the United Nations , with mediators facilitating the discussions between conflicting parties .

to [give] {sb} a shot [phrase]

to provide an opportunity for someone to succeed at or achieve something

Ex:

to [pick] {one's} [brain] [phrase]

to ask a knowledgeable or informed person their opinion on something

Ex: The journalist interviewed the renowned author to pick her brain about the writing process and literary inspiration .

hat in hand [phrase]

in a manner that is humble and respectful

Ex: The young entrepreneur entered the investor 's office with hat in hand , hoping to secure funding for her startup .

to [smooth] {one's} ruffled feathers [phrase]

to do something that calms someone who has been offended

Ex: He sent her a heartfelt message to smooth her ruffled feathers and mend their friendship .

to [feed] the kitty [phrase]

to contribute a sum of money, often in small amounts

Ex: Let 's all pitch in and feed the kitty so that we can have enough funds for our community garden project .

Interactions
Help & Support	Aid & Assistance	Praise & Good Treatment	Mistreatment & Misconduct
Gratitude & Ingratitude	Sympathy	Enmity	Retaliation
Taking Advantage	Betrayal	Abuse & Manipulation	Jokes & Pranks
Mockery & Ridicule