Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To remove something by pulling it away or detaching it: To separate something from where it is attached or held by applying a pulling force.
   • To succeed in achieving something difficult or unexpected: To accomplish a challenging task, often against the odds or contrary to expectations.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • He carefully pulled off the old bandage. (He removed the bandage by pulling it.)
  • The magician managed to pull off an incredible trick that amazed everyone. (The magician succeeded in performing a very difficult trick.)
  • Can you pull off that sticker without tearing it? (Can you remove that sticker by pulling it?)
  • Against all predictions, the underdog team pulled off a stunning victory. (The team succeeded in achieving an unlikely win.)

Advanced Usage

• "to pull it off": A common idiomatic phrase meaning to succeed in doing something difficult.
  • The plan was risky, but they pulled it off perfectly. (They successfully executed the risky plan.)
• Used to describe successfully executing a plan, stunt, deception, or complex task.
  • She pulled off the heist without leaving a single clue. (She accomplished the robbery successfully.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pull-off (noun): A designated area by the side of a road where vehicles can stop temporarily.
  • We parked at a scenic pull-off to take pictures.
• Pluck (verb): To remove something by pulling quickly or picking. (A more specific synonym for the "remove" sense).
• Execute (verb): To carry out or accomplish a plan. (A synonym for the "succeed" sense).

Synonyms

• Remove, detach, take off: For the sense of pulling something away.
• Accomplish, achieve, carry out, manage, succeed in: For the sense of achieving something difficult.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Pull out: To remove or withdraw.
  • He decided to pull out of the deal. (He decided to withdraw from the agreement.)
• Pull away: To move away by pulling or to create a distance.
  • The car pulled away from the curb. (The car moved away from the side of the road.)
• Pull through: To survive a difficult situation or illness.
  • Doctors think she will pull through after the surgery. (Doctors believe she will recover.)

Related Idioms

• Pull a fast one: To successfully deceive or trick someone.
  • He tried to pull a fast one on his boss, but he got caught. (He tried to trick his boss.)
• Pull out all the stops: To make a very great effort to achieve something.
  • They pulled out all the stops to make the wedding perfect. (They did everything they could.)

Verb

1. remove by drawing or pulling
   • She placed the tray down and drew off the cloth
   • draw away the cloth that is covering the cheese
2. be successful; achieve a goal
   • She succeeded in persuading us all
   • I managed to carry the box upstairs
   • She pulled it off, even though we never thought her capable of it
   • The pianist negociated the difficult runs
3. cause to withdraw
   • We pulled this firm off the project because they overcharged
4. pull or pull out sharply
   • pluck the flowers off the bush