noun
pump priming
Literal meaning: pouring a small amount of water into a pump to start the flow. Used in economics and metaphorically for any initial stimulus.
景気対策として政府は誘い水となる公共投資を行った。
As an economic measure, the government made public investments to prime the pump.
noun
Figurative extension: something that sets a process in motion or encourages further action. Often used with となる or になる.
彼の一言が議論の誘い水となった。
His single remark became the spark for the discussion.
小さな成功が誘い水になって、彼はさらに努力した。
The small success served as an impetus, and he worked even harder.