pump (redirected from pumping)

pump (some) iron

Sl. to lift weights for exercise. Andy went down to the gym to pump some iron. Mary's hobbies are pumping iron and running.

See also: iron

pump someone for something

Inf. to try to get information about something out of someone. The representative of the other company pumped Harry for information, but he refused to say anything. Are you trying to pump me for company secrets?

pump someone up (for something)

Inf. to get someone, including oneself, mentally ready for something. The coach tried to pump the team up so they would win. The coach talked and talked to pump them up.

See also: up

pump something into someone or something and pump something in

to try to force something, such as a gas, liquid, information, or money into someone or something. First you have to pump some air into the ball to make it hard. I pumped in the air. The hospital oxygen system pumped life-giving oxygen into Karen's lungs.

pump something out of someone or something and pump something out

to remove something from someone or something by force or suction. The doctors pumped the poison out of her stomach. They pumped out the poison.

See also: out

pump something through something

to force something, such as a gas or fluid, through something. They pumped crude oil through this pipeline, all the way to the south shore. They pumped fresh air through the sewers while the workers were working inside.

See also: through

pump something up 

1. to inflate something. Do you have something with which I can pump my basketball up? I pumped up the ball just an hour ago.

2. Sl. to exercise to make muscles get bigger and stronger. The body builder pumped her muscles up in preparation for the competition. She pumped up her muscles.

See also: up

pumped (up)

Sl. excited; physically and mentally ready. The team is really pumped up for Friday's game. She really plays well when she's pumped!

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all hands on deck  also all hands to the pumps

something that you say when everyone's help is needed, especially to do a lot of work in a short amount of time We've got to get all this cleared up before they arrive so it's all hands on deck.

See also: deck, hand

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: prime

pump iron  (informal)

to lift heavy objects for exercise in order to increase your strength or to improve your appearance These days, both men and women pump iron for fitness.

See prime the pump

See also: iron

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pump somebody/something up also pump up somebody/something

to improve someone's or something's performance Athletes can take drugs to pump themselves up, but there are huge risks involved. Everett hopes the new products will pump up corporate sales.

See also: up

pump somebody up also pump up somebody

to make someone very interested or enthusiastic Our coach talks with every team member before a game, offering advice and trying to pump them up. Taylor's band came out and pumped up the crowd.

See also: up

pump iron

to use special equipment to strengthen your muscles The ads show people of all ages pumping iron.

See also: iron

pump up something also pump something up

to make something appear to be bigger or more successful than it is Opponents charged that the state treasurer pumped up the state's financial figures. We pumped the number of flights up to 500 in our report so everyone would think the airport was really busy.

See also: up