"Pull off" is an idiom that refers to overcoming challenges, risks, or doubts and achieving a good result. It implies that the result is somewhat excellent or impressive, either to the one who did it or to others who saw it.
In short:
- It means to succeed in doing something difficult or unexpected.
- It can be used in various situations to describe achievements, performances, actions, or events that are challenging, surprising, or impressive.
The idiom "pull off" generally means succeeding in doing something complex or unexpected. It implies that the person or thing that "pulls something off" has overcome obstacles, risks, or doubts and achieved a positive outcome. It also suggests that the result is somewhat surprising or impressive, either to the person who did it or others who witnessed it.
The idiom "pull off" originated from the literal sense of pulling something off or away from something else by force. This sense can be traced back to the 15th century and is still used today. From the literal meaning of pulling something off, the figurative sense of succeeding in doing something complex or unexpected emerged in the 19th century.
"Three times he has left governmental posts, …after brave displays of political pluck; and now, for the fourth time he pulls off his cabinet cloak and throws it in the faces of his old fogy associates."
—The Wilmington Daily Herald, 1856
Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in different sentences and contexts:
Here are some examples of how the idiom appeared in pop culture:
Some synonyms and related expressions for this idiom are:
Some frequently asked questions about this idiom are:
"Pull off" is an idiom that refers to overcoming challenges, risks, or doubts and achieving a good result. It implies that the result is somewhat excellent or impressive, either to the one who did it or to others who saw it.
The idiom "pull off" originated from the literal sense of pulling something off or away from something else by force. This sense can be traced back to the 15th century and is still used today.
There are many other words for "pull off" that have similar meanings, such as accomplish, manage, bring off, carry off, achieve, execute, perform, complete, or fulfill. You can use any of these words to express the same idea as "pull off," depending on the context and tone of your sentence.
You can use "pull off" in a sentence to describe succeeding in doing something complex or unexpected. You can use it as a verb with an object, such as "He pulled off a miracle" or "She pulled off a great speech." You can also use it as a phrasal verb with an adverb, such as "He pulled it off" or "She pulled off well."
"Pull off" is an informal expression primarily used in spoken language or casual writing. It is not considered very formal or academic and may not be appropriate for some situations or audiences. For more formal or professional contexts, you may want to use words with similar meanings, such as accomplish, achieve, execute, perform, or complete.
The opposite of "pull off" is to fail, mess up, screw up, botch, or ruin. These words mean to do something poorly or unsuccessfully, especially when you have high hopes or expectations. They imply that you have faced difficulties or problems and achieved a negative outcome. They also suggest that the result is disappointing or embarrassing to yourself or others who witnessed it.
"Pull off" and "pull out" are idioms with different meanings and uses. "Pull off" means to succeed in doing something complex or unexpected, as explained above. "Pull out" means to withdraw from or stop doing something, usually because of difficulty or danger.
The idiom "pull off" can be translated into other languages using words or expressions similar to succeeding in something complex or unexpected. However, idioms are not always literal translations and may vary depending on the culture and context. Here are some possible ways to say "pull off" in other languages:
Spanish: lograr, conseguir, salirse con la suya
French: réussir, parvenir à faire quelque chose
German: schaffen, zustande bringen
In sports, "pull off" is often used to describe winning a game, match, tournament, etc., especially against a stronger opponent or after being behind. Some synonyms for "pull off" in sports are win, beat, defeat, overcome, outplay, outsmart, and upset.
In entertainment, "pull off" is often used to describe performing well in a show, movie, song, etc., especially when facing criticism or low expectations. Some synonyms for "pull off" in entertainment are deliver, impress, shine, nail, rock, and steal the show.
"Pull off" is a common and versatile idiom that means to succeed in doing something complex or unexpected. It can be used in various situations and contexts to describe achievements, performances, actions, or events that are challenging, surprising, or impressive.
More basic information about the idiom:
