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Search results for 'pull':

pull verb (pulled, pulling) 1 tr & intr to grip something or someone strongly and draw or force it or them towards oneself; to tug or drag. 2 (also pull something out or up) to remove or extract (a cork, tooth, weeds, etc) with this action. 3 to operate (a trigger, lever or switch) with this action. 4 to draw (a trailer, etc). 5 to open or close (curtains or a blind). 6 (often pull something on someone) to produce (a weapon) as a threat to them. 7 a tr & intr to row; b intrans (often pull away, off, etc) said of a boat: to be rowed or made to move in a particular direction. 8 to draw (beer, etc) from a cask by operating a lever. 9 intrans a said of a driver or vehicle: to steer or move (in a specified direction) • pulled right; b said of a vehicle or its steering: (towards a specified direction), usually because of some defect. 10 sport in golf, cricket, snooker, etc: to hit (a ball) so that it veers off its intended course. 11 intrans said of an engine or vehicle: to produce the required propelling power. 12 (usually pull at or on something) to inhale and exhale smoke from (a cigarette, etc); to draw or suck at it. 13 to attract (a crowd, votes, etc). 14 to strain (a muscle or tendon). 15 printing to print (a proof). 16 tr & intr slang to pick up (a sexual partner). noun 1 an act of pulling. 2 attraction; attracting force. 3 useful influence • has some pull with the education department. 4 a drag at a pipe; a swallow of liquor, etc. 5 a tab, etc for pulling. 6 a stroke made with an oar. 7 printing a proof. 8 slang a sexual partner, especially a casual one. pull a fast one to trick or cheat someone. pull one's punches to be deliberately less hard-hitting than one might be. pull the other one a dismissive expression used by the speaker to indicate that they are not being fooled by what has just been said, You've got a date with Brad Pitt? Pull the other one! Other idioms containing 'pull' can be found under one of the other significant words, eg pull someone's leg is under leg. pull someone up short 1 to check someone, often oneself. 2 to take them aback.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon pullian to pluck, draw or pull.

pull ahead of or away from someone or something 1 to get in front of them or it; to gain a lead over them or it. 2 to leave them or it behind.

pull something apart or to pieces 1 to rip or tear it; to reduce it to pieces. 2 to criticize it severely.

pull at something 1 to tug repeatedly down on it. 2 to execute strokes with (an oar). 3 see verb 12 above.

pull something back to withdraw or or make it withdraw or retreat.

pull something down to demolish (a building, etc).

pull in 1 said of a train: to arrive and halt at a station. 2 said of a driver or vehicle: to move to the side of the road.

pull someone in colloq to arrest them.

pull something in slang to make (money), especially a large amount.

pull something off colloq to arrange or accomplish it successfully • pull off a deal.

pull something on to put on (an item of clothing) hastily.

pull out 1 to withdraw from combat, or from a competition, project, etc. See also pull-out. 2 intrans said of a driver or vehicle: to move away from the kerb or into the centre of the road to overtake.

pull something out to extract or remove it.

pull over said of a driver or vehicle: to move to the side of or off the road and stop.

pull round or through to recover from an illness.

pull someone round or through to help them to recover from an illness.

pull together to work together towards a common aim; to co-operate.

pull up said of a driver, vehicle or horse: to stop.

pull someone up to criticize them or tell them off.

pull something up to make (a vehicle or horse) stop.

pull up on or with someone or something to catch up with or draw level with them or it.