English Expression · Intermediate
shot prop
A wooden prop covered with tarred hemp, to stop a hole made by the shot of an enemy in a ship's side
Pronunciation: say shot prop
Meaning
A wooden support wrapped in tarred hemp, used to temporarily plug a hole in a ship's hull caused by enemy fire.
Example
The crew quickly applied a shot prop to stem the flooding after the hull was struck.
The crew quickly applied a shot prop to stem the flooding after the hull was struck.
Practice tips
- Practice shot prop out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this English expression is for intermediate-level learners.