v.
- exert force on so as to cause movement towards oneself or the origin of the force.
▸be attached to the front and be the source of forward movement of (a vehicle).
▸remove by pulling.
▸
(pull at/on)
inhale deeply while drawing on (a cigarette).
▸informal bring out (a weapon) for use.
▸Brit. draw (beer) from a barrel to serve.
▸Computing retrieve (an item of data) from the top of a stack.
- move steadily:
the bus pulled away.
▸move one's body against resistance.
- damage (a muscle, ligament, etc.) by abnormal strain.
- attract as a customer; cause to show interest.
▸Brit. informal succeed in attracting sexually.
- informal cancel or withdraw (an entertainment or advertisement).
▸arrest.
▸check the speed of (a horse), especially so as to make it lose a race.
- Cricket play (the ball) round to the leg side from the off.
▸Golf & Baseball strike (the ball) so that it travels to the left (or, with a left-handed player, the right).
- print (a proof).
n.
- an act of pulling something.
▸a handle to hold while pulling.
▸a deep draught of a drink.
- a force, influence, or compulsion.
- an injury to a muscle or ligament caused by abnormal strain.
-
(usu. in phr. on the pull)
Brit. informal an attempt to attract someone sexually.
- (in cricket, golf, baseball, etc.) a pulling stroke.
- a printer's proof.
Phrase
- pull someone's leg
deceive someone playfully; tease someone. - pull the plug
informal prevent something from happening or continuing. - pull
(one's)
punches
[usu. with neg.]
be less forceful, severe, or violent than one could be. - pull strings
(or US pull wires)
make use of one's influence and contacts to gain an advantage.
- pull the strings
be in control of events or of other people's actions. - pull one's weight
do one's fair share of work.
Phrase verbal
Derivative
Etymology
OE pullian ‘pluck, snatch’; origin uncertain.