drum up

British  

verb

1. (tr, adverb) to evoke or obtain (support, business, etc) by solicitation or canvassing

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drum up Idioms  

1. Bring about by persistent effort, as in I'm trying to drum up more customers , or We have to drum up support for this amendment . This expression alludes to making repeated drumbeats. [Mid-1800s]

2. Devise, invent, obtain, as in He hoped to drum up an alibi . [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

I wipe my wet palms on my pants, take a deep breath, and try to drum up confidence I don’t have.

From Literature

Stars such as Harry Styles are visiting fewer cities, so fans have to drum up additional money for travel and lodging.

From The Wall Street Journal

Friday’s underplay — the first of two instant sell-outs at the Fonda — came as McCartney is drumming up interest in a new studio album he’ll release in May.

From Los Angeles Times

The remodeling company continues to operate, but pulls in much less revenue without Alberto to drum up business and supervise jobs.

From The Wall Street Journal

Millions and millions of dollars are poured into the sprawling motion picture economy of Los Angeles to drum up support for the year’s Academy Award nominees.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• canvass
• solicit