crutch 
/ˈkrʌtʃ/ noun
plural crutch·es /ˈkrʌtʃ/ noun [count] 1 : a long stick with a padded piece at the top that fits under a person's arm — usually plural ◊People who have difficulty walking often use crutches to help them walk.
▪ He's able to walk short distances with crutches but prefers his wheelchair. ▪ I was on crutches [=I was using crutches to walk] for six weeks after I broke my leg. — see picture at hospital 2 usually disapproving : something that a person uses too much for help or support
▪ She eventually realized that alcohol had become a crutch. [=that she was drinking too much alcohol as a way of dealing with her problems] 3 Brit : crotch
▪ He's able to walk short distances with crutches but prefers his wheelchair. ▪ I was on crutches [=I was using crutches to walk] for six weeks after I broke my leg. — see picture at hospital
▪ She eventually realized that alcohol had become a crutch. [=that she was drinking too much alcohol as a way of dealing with her problems]
