1
general::
1. Bring about by persistent effort, as in I'm trying to drum up more customers, or We have to drum up support for this amendment. This expression alludes to making repeated drumbeats. [Mid-1800s] 2. Devise, invent, obtain, as in He hoped to drum up an alibi. [Mid-1800s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): drum something up
to obtain something by attracting people’s attention to one’s need or cause. • I shall try to drum up support for the party. • You shall have to drum up new business by advertising. • I need to do something to drum some business up.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs