prime the pump
The idiom "prime the pump" is often used to describe actions taken to initiate or stimulate a process, typically by providing initial support or resources.
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Definition
C1Economics
(figurative)To stimulate economic growth by government spending or investment.
Example
- The government decided to prime the pump by investing in infrastructure projects.
B2General
(figurative)To provide initial support or resources to encourage the start or success of a venture or process.
Example
- The company primed the pump by offering discounts to attract early customers.
- He primed the pump for his new business by securing a small loan.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "prime the pump":
pump uppump outgas upget one's juices flowingcrank uppump and jumpfire upspool uppump carpumped updrum up