chum in the water

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English

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Etymology

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An allusion to a feeding frenzy that occurs when fishermen ladle chum into the ocean to attract sharks.

Noun

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chum in the water (uncountable)

  1. (idiomatic) Something done or said that produces or is likely to produce an intense, vigorous reaction, especially with a conscious or deliberate intent of causing such a reaction.
    • 1999 December 3, Nick Oredson, “Behind the Scenes: When Robots Attack, Part 2”, in Time, retrieved 19 May 2022:
      The year 1999 was a big one for polls here at TIME.com. [] Pre-millennial fever seemed to add an extra edge to all the passions that motivate people to express themselves — political tension, national pride, economic disparity, religious fervor — and our polls were chum in the water for those with an overwhelming need to make themselves heard. [] The polls that touched a nerve and set off huge responses gave us insights.
    • 2009 September 7, David Roberts, “Van Jones resignation: is green the only colour issue?”, in Guardian, UK, retrieved 19 May 2022:
      It will be like chum in the water, almost as invigorating to the crazies as bagging Dan Rather.
    • 2012 October 1, Christopher Clarey, “On Golf: A Miracle of Their Own Making”, in New York Times, retrieved 19 May 2022:
      It happened again in Medinah. [] "Major winner! Major winner!" was the chant-cum-taunt from the crowd as Poulter came out to play his singles match. [] That might have unsettled more bashful characters, but with Poulter, it was throwing chum in the water. [] Poulter won all four of his matches at Medinah.