What are the definitions of “pull off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Manage to do something difficult or tricky
No - one thought that she would be able to do it, but she PULLED it OFF in the end.
- 2Start moving ( vehicles ).
When the lights turned green, the car PULLED OFF.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “pull off”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb pull off is to successfully accomplish something difficult or challenging. It is often used to describe a surprising or unexpected success in a task or situation.
What are the different verb forms of “pull off”?
| Root Verb | pull off |
| Third Person Singular Present | pulls off |
| Present Participle | pulling off |
| Simple Past | pulled off |
| Past Participle | pulled off |
Example
She managed to pull off the difficult presentation.
Example
He always pulls off amazing stunts in his performances.
Example
They are pulling off a surprise party for their friend.
Example
He pulled off a great performance despite being nervous.
Example
The team pulled off an incredible victory in the final game.
What kind of phrasal verb is “pull off”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“pull off” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She pulled off a great performance.
Example
He pulled off the difficult task.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“pull off” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She pulled off a great performance.
Example
He pulled off the difficult task.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “pull off”?
Good things to know
Does “pull off” have an informal or formal tone?
Pull off is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'accomplish,' 'achieve,' or 'succeed in' may be more appropriate.
