lend a shoulder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lend a shoulder" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to refer to offering emotional support or comfort to someone in a difficult situation. For example, "My best friend was struggling with grief and I was there to lend a shoulder."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He added: "I call on the Likud people to lend a shoulder to this march -- they are people who, just like you and me, want security and peace and a proper civil society.

The New York Times

Lend a shoulder to cry on.

WikiHow

They will usually always lend a shoulder to cry on if you need to cry.

WikiHow

If you see a guest crying in the corner because they just got dumped by their boyfriend, ask what's wrong, take them to a private place to lend a shoulder for crying, and offer them a ride home.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's nice to just throw stuff out there, even if people didn't have any advice for me and were just lending a shoulder".

Vice

I was among the hundreds of neighbors and strangers that helped to move waterlogged appliances and personal items, carefully sorting photos, coin collections, and family treasures, placing them out to dry before lending a shoulder to cry on.

Huffington Post

I give moral support, lend an emotional shoulder, and simply become a friend they can turn to during their newly-minted cancer journey.

Huffington Post

A friend, a family member, or a therapist can lend a sympathetic ear or a shoulder to cry on.

WikiHow

Ms. Sherlach is remembered as a loving wife and mother, and a caring soul who was always there to lend an ear or a shoulder to someone in need.

The New York Times

There are some things that friends do: pick you up when you're down, lend an ear and a shoulder when you need it, you know -- friend stuff.

Huffington Post

Sarah's earliest duties were things such as unfolding Carole's walking stick, lending her a shoulder to lean on to get out of a chair and basic housework.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lend a shoulder", ensure the context clearly indicates emotional support rather than physical assistance. The phrase is most effective when conveying empathy and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "lend a shoulder" in contexts where physical help is intended. This idiom specifically refers to emotional support and comfort, not physical assistance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lend a shoulder" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of providing emotional support and comfort to someone who is distressed or upset. As Ludwig AI explains, it's about offering empathy and understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lend a shoulder" is an idiomatic expression used to describe offering emotional support. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While it's considered grammatically sound, it's more suitable for informal contexts. Related phrases include "offer support" and "provide comfort". It's crucial to use it in contexts where emotional, rather than physical, assistance is intended. With a frequency of “uncommon” among sources, it most frequently appears in "Wiki" and "News & Media" contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Give moral support

This alternative underscores the provision of emotional encouragement and strength.

Provide comfort

This alternative emphasizes the act of easing someone's distress or sorrow.

Be supportive

This alternative is a general term for providing encouragement and assistance.

Offer support

This alternative focuses on the act of providing help or assistance in a general sense.

Be there for someone

This alternative conveys the idea of being present and available to support someone.

Give solace

This alternative focuses on providing comfort or consolation in a time of distress.

Offer a listening ear

This alternative highlights the importance of active listening and empathy.

Extend sympathy

This alternative refers to expressing feelings of pity and sorrow for someone's misfortune.

Show compassion

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of empathy and concern for someone's suffering.

Be an emotional anchor

This alternative represents the role of offering stability and reassurance during a difficult time.

FAQs

What does it mean to "lend a shoulder"?

To "lend a shoulder" means to offer emotional support, empathy, and comfort to someone who is experiencing distress or sadness.

How can I "lend a shoulder" to a friend in need?

You can "lend a shoulder" by actively listening to their concerns, offering words of encouragement, and providing a supportive presence without judgment. It's about being there for them during a difficult time.

What are some alternatives to "lend a shoulder"?

You can use alternatives like "offer support", "provide comfort", or "be supportive", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "lend a shoulder" in formal writing?

While "lend a shoulder" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using more direct phrases like "provide emotional support" or "offer consolation".