verb
drum
To produce a result through persistent repeated effort.
Volunteers call local businesses to drum up support for the fundraiser.
Etymology
This figurative use develops from the repeated beating of a drum. Especially in drum up, persistent activity is pictured as bringing people, support, or business together.
More examples
- The restaurant is drumming up business with weekly specials.
- Our coach drums the importance of teamwork into us.
- My parents drummed that lesson into me for years.
Forms
drum · drums · drummed · drumming