Breast walls, also known as retaining walls, are structures that hold back soil or other materials on a slope or steep terrain. There are several synonyms for the word breast walls, including gravity walls, cantilevered walls, and reinforced walls. Gravity walls work by relying on the sheer weight and mass of the structure to hold back the soil, while cantilevered walls use a partially submerged foundation to support the wall. Reinforced walls reinforce the structure with steel or other materials to add extra strength. Whatever the type of wall, they serve a vital purpose in preventing soil erosion and maintaining the stability of the surrounding land.