point d'appui

The soldier uses the rock as a point d'appui to steady his rifle.

Definition

1. Noun (plural: points d'appui):
   • Military term: "point d'appui" refers to a strategic position or location that serves as a base of support or pivot for military operations. It is a fixed point from which forces can advance, retreat, or defend.
   • General usage: In broader contexts, it denotes any supporting point or fulcrum — a physical or metaphorical foundation that provides stability or leverage for action.

Usage Examples

• Military context:

  • The general ordered the troops to secure the hill as a point d'appui for the upcoming offensive. (The hill was used as a strategic base to support military movements.)

• General context:

  • In architecture, the central pillar acted as a point d'appui for the entire dome. (The pillar provided a supporting point for the structure.)

Advanced Usage

• "to establish a point d'appui": to create a secure base of support.

  • The explorers established a point d'appui at the riverbank before venturing into the jungle. (They set up a safe base for further exploration.)

• "point d'appui in argumentation": a foundational premise or key fact used to support a logical argument.

  • The lawyer used the signed contract as a point d'appui for her case. (The contract was the key supporting evidence.)

Variants and Related Words

• Point (n): a particular place, moment, or detail.

  • This is the point where we begin our analysis. (A specific location or moment.)

• Appui (n, rare): a support or prop; often used in fencing or military contexts.

  • The soldier leaned on the wall for appui. (The wall provided physical support.)

Synonyms

• Foothold: a secure position from which further progress may be made.

  • The climbers gained a foothold on the cliff. (A stable base for climbing.)

• Stronghold: a place that has been fortified to protect it from attack.

  • The castle served as a stronghold for the army. (A fortified base.)

• Base of operations: a central location from which activities are coordinated.

  • The camp was their base of operations during the expedition. (A central support point.)

Related Idioms

• "Hold the line": to maintain a defensive position or support.

  • The soldiers were ordered to hold the line at all costs. (Maintain the defensive point of support.)

• "Pivot point": a central or crucial point around which something turns or depends.

  • The agreement was the pivot point of the negotiations. (The key supporting factor.)