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pull the plug

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌpʊl ðə ˈplʌɡ/

pull the plug means: To stop supporting an activity or project, usually causing it to end.

verb

STOP SUPPORTINGB2

To stop supporting an activity or project, usually causing it to end.

  • They pulled the plug on the project.
  • The bank may pull the plug if losses continue.
  • Why did management pull the plug on our research?

How to use it: pull the plug on something (Investors pulled the plug on the new hotel project.)

Similar words: halt, cancel, withdraw support

Opposites: support

Common phrases: pull the plug early, pull the plug completely

DISCONNECT POWERB1

To disconnect a machine from its electricity supply so that it stops working.

  • Pull the plug before cleaning the machine.
  • He pulled the plug on the noisy television.
  • Someone had pulled the plug, so the computer would not start.

How to use it: pull the plug on something (Pull the plug on the printer before opening it.)

Similar words: unplug, disconnect

Opposites: connect

Common phrases: pull the plug now, pull the plug first

STOP PRODUCTIONC1

To stop making a product or publishing a newspaper, magazine, or other work.

  • They pulled the plug on the magazine.
  • Poor sales led the factory to pull the plug on the model.
  • Will the network pull the plug on the series?

How to use it: pull the plug on something (The publisher pulled the plug on the magazine.)

Similar words: discontinue, cease production, cease publication

Common phrases: pull the plug permanently, pull the plug soon

END LIFE SUPPORTC1

To stop using medical machines that are keeping someone alive.

  • The family decided to pull the plug.
  • Doctors discussed whether to pull the plug on the unconscious patient.
  • They would not pull the plug while there was hope of recovery.

How to use it: pull the plug on someone (His family refused to pull the plug on him.)

Similar words: withdraw life support

Common phrases: pull the plug today, pull the plug tomorrow

END OWN LIFEC2

To deliberately end your own life.

  • After years of despair, he pulled the plug on his own life.
  • She felt hopeless and considered pulling the plug.
  • His friends feared he would pull the plug on his own life.

Similar words: kill oneself, take one's own life

Common phrases: pull the plug finally, pull the plug himself

Questions about pull the plug

What does pull the plug mean?

To stop supporting an activity or project, usually causing it to end.

What is pull the plug in other languages?

Türkçe: desteğini çekmek · Español: retirar el apoyo · Français: cesser de soutenir · Deutsch: die Unterstützung einstellen · Italiano: ritirare il sostegno · 日本語: 支援を打ち切る

How do you pronounce pull the plug?

It is pronounced /ˌpʊl ðə ˈplʌɡ/.

How do you use pull the plug in a sentence?

They pulled the plug on the project. The bank may pull the plug if losses continue.

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