| Kept up |
| Freshened |
| Tightened |
| Fortified. |
| Buttressed |
| Reinforced |
| Got ready for |
| Made sturdier |
| Like some necks |
| Added support to |
| Prepared for impact |
| Prepared for a shock |
| Prepared for a setback |
| Prepared, as for a jolt |
| Supported, as framework |
| Prepared (oneself), as for a jolt |
| Prepared (oneself), as for a shock |