Meaning & use
twin pillars
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Meanings
phrasepluralfigurative
Two things that support or uphold a system, idea, or activity in the same way two columns hold up a building.
Grammar: Always plural and usually followed by 'of' plus the thing being supported: the twin pillars of democracy.
Patterns
- the twin pillars of something
- something rests on twin pillars
- the twin pillars on which something depends
Free speech and a free press are often described as the twin pillars of democracy.
The company's success rests on the twin pillars of good design and honest pricing.
Teachers and parents are the twin pillars on which a child's education depends.
phraseplural
Two actual pillars or columns standing as a matching pair, especially in a building or monument.
Grammar: Used literally, it can take a plural verb: the twin pillars stand at the entrance.
Patterns
- the twin pillars stand
- the twin pillars at the entrance
- a pair of twin pillars
Visitors pass between the twin pillars of the main gate.
The temple's twin pillars are carved from the same block of stone.
Common combinations
- the twin pillars of something
- Trust and clear rules are the twin pillars of any fair market.
- rest on twin pillars
- The argument rests on twin pillars: evidence and logic.
- twin pillars of the economy
- Farming and tourism are the twin pillars of the economy here.
- stand on twin pillars
- Their policy stands on twin pillars of tax cuts and public spending.
Synonyms and how they differ
- cornerstones
- Cornerstones suggests the single most important supporting elements, while twin pillars stresses that there are exactly two of equal weight.
- foundations
- Foundations are the base something is built on; twin pillars are the visible supports holding it up.
Word family
- pillar noun
- a single upright column or a key supporting part of something
Commonly confused: twin pillars or twin towers?
twin pillars vs twin towers
'Twin towers' means two matching tall buildings; 'twin pillars' refers to two supports, usually figuratively.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'twin pillars' in the usual figurative way?
Choose one answer.
The figurative sense describes two things that support an abstract system, like a career built on honesty and hard work. The other options use 'pillars' in a literal, physical way, which is possible but not the common metaphorical use.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “twin pillars”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.