sparkplug
verb1
To serve as the driving force behind (a new endeavour).
- It was he who sparkplugged last year's Biennal of Modern Art, which was planned and carried out in less than nine months.1953, Brazilian Business, volume 33, page 21:
- We are especially indebted to Jimmie Mackie for his interest and the organizational skill he displayed in sparkplugging the building of the Council houses, naming them Tyrie Gardens and planning the elaborate dedicatory program.1978, Dorothy Chambers Watts, The Tyree Tree, page 260: