central figure; pillar; mainstay
Metaphorical use for a person who is the core support of a group, organization, or nation. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
He has supported the organization for many years as its central figure.
General term for a leader or head of a group, especially in traditional or hierarchical settings. Less common in modern casual speech.
As the master of the craftsmen, he trained many apprentices.
master carpenter
Specifically refers to a highly skilled carpenter who oversees construction projects and leads other carpenters. A traditional title in Japanese architecture.
This temple was built by a famous master carpenter.
roof beams and ridge supports
Original architectural meaning referring to the structural framework of a roof. Now rare and mostly encountered in historical or technical contexts.
In old documents, 棟梁 sometimes refers to the structural timbers of a roof.
Composed of 棟 (ridge of a roof) and 梁 (beam). Originally referred to the main structural elements of a roof, later extended metaphorically to a person who is the central support or leader of a group, and then specialized to mean a master carpenter.