prime the pump

Idioms  

1. Encourage the growth or action of something, as in Marjorie tried to prime the pump by offering some new issues for discussion. In the late 1800s this expression originally was used for pouring liquid into a pump to expel the air and make it work. In the 1930s it was applied to government efforts to stimulate the economy and thereafter was applied to other undertakings.

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Example Sentences

Downtown Los Angeles residents, businesses and other city boosters want to try to prime the pump, using a program like San Francisco’s to help small businesses take over vacant storefronts and turn the lights back on, said Cassy Horton, co-founder of the Downtown Residents Assn.

From Los Angeles Times

McCourt said his $10-million pledge is intended to “prime the pump” to get the expansion underway and that his firm will provide real estate expertise to help navigate design, construction and other aspects of property development.

From Los Angeles Times

He even showed up in last week’s Kristen Wiig-hosted episode to prime the pump.

From Los Angeles Times

And that status quo would prime the pump for more SoFi loan applications.

From New York Times

Therefore, if you’re ready to start your journey toward being a better Angeleno, here are several suggestions to prime the pump and set you on the path.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• back
• bankroll
• fund
• guarantee
• promote
• sponsor
• subsidize
• support
• underwrite