Meaning of chum in the water | Babel Free

Definitions

Synonym of blood in the water.

idiomatic, uncountable

Examples

“The year 1999 was a big one for polls here at TIME.com. […] Pre-millennial fever seemed to add an extra edge to all the passions that motivate people to express themselves — political tension, national pride, economic disparity, religious fervor — and our polls were chum in the water for those with an overwhelming need to make themselves heard. […] The polls that touched a nerve and set off huge responses gave us insights.”

“It will be like chum in the water, almost as invigorating to the crazies as bagging Dan Rather.”

“It happened again in Medinah. […] "Major winner! Major winner!" was the chant-cum-taunt from the crowd as Poulter came out to play his singles match. […] That might have unsettled more bashful characters, but with Poulter, it was throwing chum in the water. […] Poulter won all four of his matches at Medinah.”

CEFR level