chum in the water
Fishing lure slick
Chum in the water refers literally to fish parts and blood scattered to attract fish or sharks.
Figuratively, it describes anything that draws predators or competitors—a sign of vulnerability that invites attack: The CEO's stumble was chum in the water for hostile investors.
The phrase often appears in political and business contexts where weakness triggers opportunistic behavior.
- frenzyViolent mental agitation
- bitePierce with teeth
- sharkCartilaginous marine predator
- shark attackMarine predator assault
- baitLure for prey
provocation · opportunism · hunting · instigation · manipulation · lure · easy prey · blood · splash · feeding frenzy · blood sport · chaos · stalking · guts · predator · aggression · pack mentality · barracuda
chum in the watershark repellent
Substance deterring ocean predators
deterrent · warning signal · keep away · repellent · red flag
chum in the waterolive branch
Symbol of reconciliation
peace offering · pouring oil on troubled waters · white flag · standing down · truce
chum in the waterflying under the radar
Remaining undetected deliberately
keeping a low profile · going dark · radio silence · stealth mode
chum, chums, chummed, chumming, chummy, chumminess, water, waters, watered