pump someone's tires

present singular third person pumps someone's tires · participle present pumping someone's tires · participle past pumped someone's tires · past pumped someone's tires · alternative pump up someone's tires

1. CanadaidiomaticTo praise, encourage, or vigorously support someone.

   Now, with Suisham enjoying a career season, those in his hometown are pumping his tires.

   2012 December 8, Mike Zeisberger, “Football: Canadian kid Suisham has been money for Steelers”, in Toronto Sun, Canada, retrieved 01 Feb 2017

   3 more examples

   "I'm sure (Toronto coach) Greg Gilbert is going to pump their tires with the fact they've beat us six times."

   2009 April 14, Canadian Press, "AHL leaders in regular season, Manitoba prepares for series with Toronto," The Hockey News (Canada) (retrieved 1 Feb 2017)

   Jonathan Toews . . . has allowed himself to come unglued emotionally during Game 4 of the Detroit series, and to fall back on the sweet sounds of teammates and coaches pumping his tires for his many wonderful qualities.

   2013 June 20, Cam Cole, “Seabrook guides captain through troubled waters”, in Vancouver Sun, Canada, retrieved 01 Feb 2017

   His coach is pumping his tires for conference MVP and Matt Fuller is doing his best to oblige.

   2013 December 4, Steve Green, “Hockey: London Nationals win 4-2 over Lambton Shores Predators”, in London Free Press, Canada, retrieved 01 Feb 2017