Meaning of prime the pump | Babel Free

Definitions

1. To engage in deficit spending.
   idiomatic
2. To give something in order to create the conditions where others will give in return.
   idiomatic, informal
3. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see prime, the, pump.

Examples

“[…] by supplying, through the Federal Treasury, a sufficient flow of finance and currency that will prime the pump and keep it going until it can start its flow from the well or fountain of national resources.”

“For example, if you give money to a charity, as a tax reduction or to prime the pump for more money to flow to you, than the actual intent is not making someone else happy, but yourself.”

“Kate primed the pump by telling the story of Dina teaching her to rappel.”

“A good way to prime the pump of generosity is by starting with the intangibles such as a smile, or a simple courtesy such as opening a door for someone or extending some other random act of kindness.”

“If you're starving for some admiring comments, you might have to prime the pump.”

CEFR level