Indian workers check water pumps on the banks of the River Ganges ahead of the Kumbh Mela. Photo: Rajesh Kumar Singh/AP
Today's Phrase
If you are 'pumped up', you are excited and full of confidence.
For example:
The atmosphere when you walk into the Olympic Stadium, it's like drinking 10 cups of coffee, it pumps you up so much.
England were so pumped up before the game they destroyed the opposition before the whistle was even blown.
I'm feeling pumped up before this interview. I just know I'm going to get the job.
Don't confuse it with
Another phrase is 'to pump iron', which means to lift heavy weights, usually at a gym, in order to increase muscle.
After a stressful day at the office, half an hour of pumping iron at the gym really relaxes me.
I want to get fit but the idea of pumping iron in a room full of sweaty men is really unappealing.
Interesting fact
Millions are expected to take a ritualistic bath in the confluence of the rivers Ganges and Yamuna during the month-long Kumbh Mela festival in India. It begins in January 2013.
