put spurs to
The phrase 'put spurs to' originates from horseback riding, where spurs are used to urge a horse to move faster. It is now often used figuratively to mean encouraging or pushing someone to act more quickly or energetically.
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Definition
B2Horse Riding
(literal)To prod a horse with spurs to make it move faster.
Example
- The rider put spurs to his horse, urging it to gallop faster.
B2General
(figurative)To encourage someone to take action or increase their effort.
Example
- The manager put spurs to the team, motivating them to meet the deadline.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "put spurs to":