pull

[pʊl]

pull Definition

• 1. exert force on (someone or something) so as to cause movement towards oneself
• 2. remove (something) from somewhere with a firm grip
• 3. move steadily in a particular direction or towards a particular objective

Using pull: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pull" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  She pulled the door open.

• Example

  He pulled the chair out for her.

• Example

  The horse pulled the cart up the hill.

• Example

  I need to pull an all-nighter to finish this project.

pull Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for pull

• drag
• haul
• tug
• yank
• extract

Antonyms for pull

• push
• shove

Idioms Using pull

• pull someone's leg

  tease or trick someone in a playful way

  Example

  I'm just pulling your leg. Of course, I know you're not really a spy.

• pull the plug

  stop supporting or funding something

  Example

  The company decided to pull the plug on the project due to lack of funds.

• pull strings

  use one's influence or connections to achieve a desired outcome

  Example

  He was able to get the job because his father pulled some strings.

Phrases with pull

• pull off

  achieve something difficult or unexpected

  Example

  She managed to pull off the victory despite being the underdog.

• pull through

  recover from a serious illness or injury

  Example

  With proper treatment, he is expected to pull through and make a full recovery.

• pull together

  work together effectively as a team

  Example

  We need to pull together if we want to meet the deadline.

Origins of pull

from Old English 'pullian', meaning 'to pluck or snatch'

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Summary: pull in Brief

The verb 'pull' [pʊl] means to exert force on something to move it towards oneself or to remove something with a firm grip. It can also mean to move steadily towards an objective, as in 'I need to pull an all-nighter to finish this project.' Phrases like 'pull off' and 'pull through' denote achieving something difficult or recovering from an illness, while 'pull someone's leg' and 'pull the plug' are idioms that mean to tease or stop supporting something, respectively.