prime (redirected from priming)

in one's (or its) prime

Fig. at one's or its peak or best time. Our dog—which is in its prime—is very active. The building was in its prime back in the Fifties, but it has not been well maintained. I could work long hours when I was in my prime.

in the prime of life

Fig. in the best and most productive and healthy period of life. The good health of one's youth can carry over into the prime of life. He was struck down by a heart attack in the prime of life.

See also: life

past someone's (or something's) prime

Fig. beyond the most useful or productive period. Joan was a wonderful singer, but she's past her prime now. This old car's past its prime. I'll need to get a new one.

See also: past

prime something with something

to enable something to start working or functioning with something. Larry primed the pump with a little water, and it began to do its work. We will prime the market for our new product with a free coupon offer.

prime mover

Fig. the force that sets something going; someone or something that starts something off. The assistant manager was the prime mover in getting the manager sacked. Discontent with his job was the prime mover in John's deciding to retire early.

See also: mover

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a prime mover

someone who has a lot of influence in starting something important He was a prime mover in developing a new style of customer-friendly bookshops in the UK.

See also: mover

prime the pump  (mainly American)

to do something in order to make something succeed, especially to spend money European governments and banks are priming the pump world-wide looking for alternative energy.

See also: pump

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in your/its prime

in someone's or something's best, most successful, or most productive stage She retired in her prime, but continued working part-time as a consultant. Though the magazine was in its prime, it stopped publication when the chief editor quit.

Usage notes: often used in the form in the prime of (your) life: The members of our squadron were in the prime of life.

past your/its prime

no longer able to do something at an acceptable level because of age over the hill The dancer was past her prime, though she performed occasionally as a guest artist.

See also: past