Prime the pump Meaning in English
expression
Definição
To encourage growth or activity (especially economic) by taking action to start or boost it, often by investing money or resources at the beginning.
Uso & Nuances
Idiom, mainly used in economic or business contexts. Refers to government or large-scale action to start growth, not for personal tasks. Commonly used with 'government spending' and 'investment'. Often metaphorical; the original meaning is from preparing a water pump.
Frases de Exemplo
The government decided to prime the pump by investing in new roads.
basic
They lowered interest rates to prime the pump for business.
basic
The company donated money to local projects to prime the pump of the community.
basic
Sometimes you have to prime the pump with small investments before you see real results.
natural
Big companies often prime the pump when entering a new market to attract customers.
natural
We need to prime the pump if we want this project to take off quickly.
natural