Definition
Synonym of blood in the water.
Origins
An allusion to a feeding frenzy that occurs when fishermen ladle chum into the ocean to attract sharks.
In Context
- "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."
- "It will be like chum in the water, almost as invigorating to the crazies as bagging Dan Rather."
- "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."