杖つえ柱はしら

noun

mainstay; pillar of support; person one relies on

Metaphorical expression for a person who is an indispensable support, like a walking stick or pillar. Often used in formal or literary contexts.

• 彼かれは家か族ぞくの杖つえ柱はしらとして懸けん命めいに働はたらいた。

  He worked hard as the mainstay of his family.

• 祖そ母ぼは私わたしにとって心こころの杖つえ柱はしらだった。

  My grandmother was an emotional pillar for me.