How to Pronounce "prime the pump"
expression
ˈpɹaɪm/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈpəmp
PRYM thuh PUHMP
pɹˈaɪm/ /ðə, ði/ /pˈʌmp
pr-YM thuh PUHMP
Definition
To encourage growth or activity (especially economic) by taking action to start or boost it, often by investing money or resources at the beginning.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈpɹaɪm/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈpəmp
British English
pɹˈaɪm/ /ðə, ði/ /pˈʌmp
Simplified Pronunciation
US
PRYM thuh PUHMP
UK
pr-YM thuh PUHMP
Listen in Context
The government decided to prime the pump by investing in new roads.
They lowered interest rates to prime the pump for business.
The company donated money to local projects to prime the pump of the community.
Sometimes you have to prime the pump with small investments before you see real results.