pull off

To succeed in doing something difficult or unlikely.

• I think we can pull it off.
• The team pulled off an unexpected win.
• How did she pull off such a difficult trick?

How to use it: pull something off (Nobody expected us to pull it off.)

Similar words: achieve, accomplish, manage

Opposites: fail

Common phrases: pull off victory, pull off something

To remove something by holding it and pulling it away.

• He pulled off his boots.
• She pulled the label off the jar.
• Can you pull off the lid?

How to use it: pull something off (She pulled her wet socks off.); pull something off something (He pulled a sticker off the window.)

Similar words: remove, take off

Common phrases: pull off boots, pull off something

To drive from a road onto its side or onto another road.

• Pull off here and stop.
• We pulled off the road near a petrol station.
• The driver pulled off onto a narrow track.

How to use it: pull off a road (We pulled off the highway to check the map.); pull off onto something (She pulled off onto a quiet side road.)

Similar words: turn off

Common phrases: pull off safely, pull off here

To start moving away in a vehicle.

• The car pulled off slowly.
• Our bus pulled off before he reached the stop.
• She waved as the taxi pulled off.

Similar words: pull away, drive away

Opposites: stop

Common phrases: pull off slowly, pull off quickly