# chum in the water

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/chum-in-the-water
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of blood in the water.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.