Pump iron Meaning in English
expression
ˈpəmp/ /ˈaɪɝn
PUMP EYE-urn
pˈʌmp/ /ˈaɪən
PUMP EYE-uhn
Definition
To lift weights, usually with the goal of building muscle or getting stronger; typically used informally in conversation about exercising in a gym.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, mostly spoken American English; never used literally—always means weightlifting, not pumping air or liquid. Common in phrases like 'go pump iron' or 'love to pump iron'. Avoid in very formal writing.
Spanish: levantar pesasPortuguese (BR): malhar - levantar pesoPortuguese (PT): levantar pesosChinese (Simplified): 举铁 - 举重 (健身) Chinese (Traditional): 舉鐵 - 舉重 (健身) Hindi: वज़न उठाना - जिम करनाArabic: رفع الأثقال (التمارين الرياضية)Bengali: ওজন তোলা - ডাম্বেল তোলাRussian: качать железо - заниматься тяжёлой атлетикойJapanese: 筋トレをする - ウエイトトレーニングをするVietnamese: tập tạ - nâng tạKorean: 웨이트 트레이닝하다 - 헬스하다Turkish: ağırlık kaldırmak - vücut geliştirmekUrdu: وزن اٹھانا - ویٹ لفٹنگ کرناIndonesian: angkat besi - latihan beban
Example Sentences
He likes to pump iron at the gym every weekend.
basic
Many people pump iron to get stronger.
basic
She started to pump iron to stay healthy.
basic
After work, I love to pump iron and clear my head.
natural
You don't have to pump iron every day to stay fit.
natural
Let’s go pump iron before dinner tonight.
natural