pull the plug

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pull the plug

The company decided to pull the plug on the old project.

Definition

Phrasal Verb: - To stop something from happening or continuing; to end support or funding for something, often abruptly. - To disconnect a medical device (especially a life-support machine) from a patient, allowing them to die naturally.

Usage

This phrasal verb is used to describe the decisive act of terminating an activity, project, or source of support. It implies a final and often authoritative action that causes something to stop.

Examples
  • Preventing continuation:
    • The network pulled the plug on the unpopular TV show after just one season.
    • If the product doesn't sell, the company will have to pull the plug on the entire line.
  • Ending financial support:
    • The government pulled the plug on the new infrastructure project due to budget cuts.
  • Medical context:
    • After weeks with no sign of brain activity, the family made the difficult decision to pull the plug.
Advanced Usage
  • "to pull the plug on something": This is the standard construction. The action is directed the thing being terminated.
    • The investors threatened to pull the plug on the startup if it didn't become profitable soon.
Variants and Related Words
  • Pull out (of) (phrasal verb): To withdraw from a commitment or project.
    • The sponsor pulled out of the deal at the last minute.
  • Terminate (verb): To bring to an end.
  • Discontinue (verb): To stop making or providing something.
Synonyms
  • Shut down: To cause a business or operation to close.
  • Cut off: To stop providing something (like funds or supplies).
  • Abort: To end something before it is completed.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Pull out: To withdraw or retreat from a situation.
    • The army decided to pull out of the region.
  • Pull the rug out from under (someone): To suddenly remove support from someone, causing their plans to fail.
    • Losing his funding pulled the rug out from under his research.
Related Idioms
  • Put an end to: To stop something from continuing.
    • The new law put an end to the illegal practice.
  • Bring down the curtain on: To mark the end of an event or period.
    • The final performance brought down the curtain on the festival.
pull the plug

The company decided to pull the plug on the old project.

Verb
  1. prevent from happening or continuing
    • The government pulled the plug on spending