pump out: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘pump out’ mean?
The idiom "pump out" means to produce something quickly and in large quantities. It is often used to describe the rapid and efficient creation of a product, usually in a manufacturing or production context.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "quick-fire" means to do or say something very quickly without much hesitation or delay.
The idiom "pump someone's tires" means to excessively praise or flatter someone in order to boost their ego or confidence.
The idiom "pump iron" means to engage in weightlifting or strength training exercises, typically using dumbbells or barbells, in order to build or tone muscles. The phrase originated from the action of physically pumping a lever to raise and lower an iron weight, symbolizing the effort and exertion required during the workout.
The idiom "pull out of the hat" means to produce something unexpectedly or miraculously, often to solve a problem or save a situation, as if performing a magic trick.
The idiom "pop up" means to appear suddenly or unexpectedly. It can refer to ideas, thoughts, or physical objects that appear unexpectedly or without warning.
The idiom "poop machine" refers to someone or something that consistently produces a large amount of excrement or waste. It is often used humorously to describe a person or thing that seems to constantly create mess or chaos.
A "poop factory" is a humorous way to describe a person who talks a lot or is overly chatty. It suggests that this person produces a constant flow of words, similar to a factory producing poop. This idiom is often used to convey annoyance or frustration with someone's excessive talking.
Revealing Hidden Histories
The idiom "pump out" is a phrase used in informal contexts, consisting of the verb "pump" and the preposition "out." The literal meanings of these words are forcing a fluid or gas to move in a specific direction and movement away or removal of something. The figurative meaning of "pump out" has evolved to signify producing or manufacturing something at a rapid pace or in large quantities.
One common context where "pump out" is used is in music or artistic production. Artists use this phrase to describe their ability to consistently create new works or release a large number of pieces within a short period of time. They can "crank out" hit songs one after another, making it seem effortless. This idiom emphasizes their creative energy and productive output.
Similarly, "pump out" is frequently used in manufacturing and industrial processes. It refers to the efficiency and speed at which goods are produced or tasks are accomplished. A factory can "bang out" products in one foul swoop, ensuring high productivity and quick turnaround times. This idiom highlights the effectiveness of their production line.
However, "pump out" can also be used in a more abstract sense to describe the generation or dissemination of information or ideas. Some individuals can "spit out" insightful thoughts or research findings effortlessly, making quick work of complex topics. This idiom signifies their ability to produce a substantial amount of content or knowledge on a particular subject.
To sum up, the idiom "pump out" conveys the idea of producing or generating something at a rapid pace or in large quantities. It is commonly used in artistic, manufacturing, and informational contexts. This versatile phrase reflects the concept of productivity and efficiency, highlighting the ability to create, manufacture, or disseminate a substantial volume of work, ideas, or products.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "pump out" can be used in a sentence:
- She can pump out 100 push-ups in just one minute.
- The factory is able to pump out thousands of units per hour.
- They hired two new writers to help pump out content for their blog.
More "production" idioms
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