put batteries in someone's back

English

Etymology

From the analogy of placing batteries in a toy in order to get it to operate.

Verb

put batteries in someone's back (third-person singular simple present puts batteries in someone's back, present participle putting batteries in someone's back, simple past and past participle put batteries in someone's back)

  1. (idiomatic) To enable, encourage, or incite, especially in order to do one's bidding; to fuel or spur.
    Synonym: energise
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