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

See Examples For:

prime the pump

The machine heats up quickly and is ready to go in about a minute, though you’ll need to prime the pump to move water through the system before pulling your first shot.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 1, 2021

“We need to figure out how do we prime the pump and when is the right time to jump into that. We are fighting an uphill battle trying to reestablish the relationship right now.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 13, 2021

“So in this case, you’re using venture money to prime the pump and keep the cycle going. Vertex will be investing in this for years to come.”

From New York Times ● Jul. 2, 2021

“The purpose I suppose is to help prime the pump for hockey development,” deputy NHL Commissioner Bill Daly said.

From Washington Times ● Dec. 24, 2018

After that we prime the pump to get all the air out, our eyes meeting as we wait for the formula to make its way down the tube.

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott

Related Words

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