Prime the pump

usgb
verb

To stimulate or support the growth or success of something by supplying it with money.

The government decided to prime the pump by investing in infrastructure projects.
Visual representation of "prime the pump" - To stimulate or support the growth or success of something by supplying it with money.

Often appears as...

  • prime the pump in economy
  • government primes the pump

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "prime the pump"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Economic Focus

Used when discussing financial measures to boost economic activity.

Illustration for Economic Focus
To overcome the recession, the government must prime the pump.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Government Action

Often used to describe government investment to encourage economic growth.

Illustration for Government Action
During the crisis, central banks primed the pump with lower interest rates.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Initial Investment

Implies an initial infusion of cash to get financial returns later.

Illustration for Initial Investment
They decided to prime the pump with a hefty marketing budget.
Visual representation of the word "Prime the pump"

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