spur on

[/spɜːr ɑːn/]
verb (phrasal verb)
incentivar, estimular, impulsionar
1. to encourage or motivate someone to do something or to work harder
The coach's words spurred on the team to victory.
As palavras do treinador incentivaram o time à vitória.
2. to accelerate or increase the pace of something
Economic growth spurred on investment in new industries.
O crescimento econômico impulsionou o investimento em novas indústrias.
3. to urge a horse forward by digging spurs into its sides
The rider spurred on his horse to gallop faster.
O cavaleiro impulsionou seu cavalo para galopar mais rápido.
In both American and Brazilian contexts, 'spur on' is commonly used in business, sports, and motivational contexts. The expression originates from equestrian practice but is now primarily used metaphorically to describe motivation and encouragement in modern settings.
NYC Slang
light a fire under someone, get someone moving
Synonyms / Sinônimos
encouragemotivateinspiredrivepush forwardstimulateprompt
Antonyms / Antônimos
discouragehinderimpedeslow downdeterrestrain

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
incentivar, estimular
Most common usage in modern Brazilian Portuguese
Rio de Janeiro
botar pra frente, impulsionar
Colloquial and informal usage
São Paulo
incentivar, impulsionar
Formal and business contexts
Portugal
incentivar, estimular, impulsionar
Similar to Brazilian usage, with slight variations in formality

Related Words

spurincentivemotivationmomentumimpetusdrivecatalyst

Related Idioms & Phrases

spur someone on to greater efforts
spur on economic growth
spur on productivity
spur on ambition
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