In literature, the term "appui" is employed with remarkable versatility, serving both as a tangible point of support and a metaphorical foundation. In some works it strictly denotes physical supports—such as a balustrade rising to an appui on a ramp [1] or a horse gaining a steady appui in its gait [2]—while in others it symbolizes a conceptual or strategic foothold, providing a base from which actions or ideas are launched, as when a historical or political figure finds his point d'appui to resist tyranny [3] or draws strength from a cherished past [4]. This double usage is further illustrated in descriptions of mechanical and scientific principles, where securing a firm point d'appui, reminiscent of Archimedes’ legendary remark “Give me a place to stand on…” [5], signifies the importance of a stable support in both literal and figurative contexts.