put (someone) under the pump

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put (someone) under the pump

To put (someone) under pressure to perform, succeed, or achieve results. Primarily heard in UK. The fast-food giant has been put under the pump in the last few years by dropping sales and sliding market value. The cricket community has really put the ageing batsman under the pump to deliver results this season, or else consider retirement.
See also: pump, put
References in classic literature ?
Having had his face put under the pump, and dried upon Mrs.
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Abu Dhabi: Nigerian striker Emanuel Emenike, who was officially unveiled by Al Ain late on Friday, was straight away put under the pump by the local media.
Emenike confident of filling Gyan's shoes
Joe Marler, the loosehead devoured by hair-bear Jones, was put under the pump by the Irish.
10 things Wales must be aware of in order to stem the Red Rose; Rugby Correspondent ANDY HOWELL was at Twickenham to watch England's victory over Ireland at the weekend. Here he outlines 10 areas of the Red Rose game that Warren Gatland needs to consider before his Wales team head to Twickenham next week
The two guys were in and suddenly he was put under the pump a bit.
Giles:Time for tough decisions
They got beaten in their last game and got put under the pump against Lancashire here, so they're not really in the highest spirits at the minute," said Plunkett.
Plunkett delight at Durham response; Riversiders confident of win despite rain threat
We hadn't been put under the pump thus far- and we didn't respond that well this time," he said of the defeat against Sri Lanka.
Cricket: Smith wary of Kiwis' threat
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