drum up — generate support/interest/business (figurative)
to try to get more support, interest, business, or enthusiasm for something, especially by making an effort to persuade people or attract their attention
Say it like a native
Textbook We are attempting to generate increased interest in the campaign.
Native We're trying to drum up support for the campaign.
'Drum up' captures the active effort to stir interest; 'generate increased interest' is marketing jargon.
Pattern: drum up + noun (support/interest/business/enthusiasm/funds)
In use
- The charity is trying to drum up support for its new campaign.work
- In my opinion, universities should drum up more enthusiasm for volunteering by organising engaging events and promoting the benefits to students.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ They drummed up for new customers.
✓ They drummed up new customers. / drummed up business.
'Drum up' takes the object directly — 'drum up support/business', no 'for' before it.
Common collocations
drum up + interest/business— support, business, interest, enthusiasm
Don't confuse it
'Drum up' is more active and deliberate than simply 'get' or 'gain' support. It is not used for literal, physical actions, but for abstract things like support, interest, or business.