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.
彼は家族の杖柱として懸命に働いた。
He worked hard as the mainstay of his family.
祖母は私にとって心の杖柱だった。
My grandmother was an emotional pillar for me.
Compound of 杖 (つえ, 'cane, walking stick') and 柱 (はしら, 'pillar'). The combination figuratively denotes a person who serves as a support, like a cane or pillar.