chum in the water

English

Etymology

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

Noun

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.