pump someone's tires

• pump up someone's tires

pump someone's tires

1. (chiefly Canada, idiomatic) To praise, encourage, or vigorously support someone.
   • 2009 April 14, Canadian Press, "AHL leaders in regular season, Manitoba prepares for series with Toronto," The Hockey News (Canada) (retrieved 1 Feb 2017):

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

   • 2012 Dec. 8, Mike Zeisberger, "Football: Canadian kid Suisham has been money for Steelers," Toronto Sun (Canada) (retrieved 1 Feb 2017):

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

   • 2013 June 20, Cam Cole, "Seabrook guides captain through troubled waters," Vancouver Sun (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 Dec. 4, Steve Green, "Hockey: London Nationals win 4-2 over Lambton Shores Predators," London Free Press (Canada) (retrieved 1 Feb 2017):

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

• Used particularly in contexts involving sports, especially ice hockey.