chum in the water
Synonym of blood in the water.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The weak argument was chum in the water for the aggressive lawyer.”
“When the company announced its financial losses, it was chum in the water for its competitors.”
“The politician's minor slip of the tongue served as chum in the water for the hungry press, who immediately swarmed to attack his credibility.”
An allusion to the practice of fishermen ladling chum into the ocean to attract sharks, which initiates a feeding frenzy among the predators. The phrase draws its imagery from the immediate and violent activity that follows the introduction of bait into the water.
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blood in the water
In a competitive situation, the exhibition of apparent weakness or vulnerability by one party, especially when this leads to a feeling of vulnerability or greater pressure to perform on the part of the weak party, or enhanced expectation of victory by the others.
- 02
blood is thicker than water
Family relations and loyalties are stronger than relationships with people who are not family members.
- 03
blow out of the water
To trounce; to defeat thoroughly, as at a game or in battle.
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carbonated water
Water that contains carbon dioxide dissolved in it under pressure and is intended for drinking.
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carry someone's water
To do someone's bidding; to serve someone's interests.
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carry water for
To perform menial tasks for; to serve; to assist; to be forced by politics or pragmatism to endorse or promote a belief, individual, or organization that in reality one does not fully support.
- 07
Chinese water torture
Any repeated irritation that builds to deliver cumulative damage.
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chum up
To be friendly toward (with or to) someone, especially in an ingratiating way; to form a friendship (with).
Last updated August 10, 2026