Definition

Verb: * To pull something along heavily or with effort, often implying a significant weight or resistance that makes the movement slow and laborious.

Usage

This verb describes the action of moving an object by pulling it, with a strong emphasis on the difficulty or exertion involved. It is typically used for objects that are bulky, heavy, or awkward to move. * The direct object (the thing being pulled) follows the verb. * It often implies moving the object over a distance or across a surface.

Examples

• The old horse pulled along the heavy cart up the muddy hill.
• She had to pull along her suitcase because one of the wheels was broken.
• We watched as the workers pulled along the massive sculpture into position.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: Can be used metaphorically to describe forcing someone to participate in an activity against their will or with great reluctance.
  • Example: He didn't want to go to the meeting, but his boss pulled him along anyway.

Variants and Related Words

• Schlep / Shlep (verb, informal): A synonym often used to mean to carry or haul something heavy or awkward. It shares the connotation of effort and inconvenience.
  • Example: I had to schlep all these groceries home on the bus.
• Drag: To pull something along a surface, often with part of it touching the ground. It emphasizes friction and can imply less care than "pull along."
• Haul: To pull or transport something heavy, often over a long distance.

Synonyms

• Drag
• Haul
• Tug
• Tow

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Pull away: To start moving (in a vehicle); to detach or separate by pulling.
• Pull through: To survive a difficult situation or illness.
• Pull over: To drive a vehicle to the side of the road and stop.

Related Idioms

• Pull your weight: To do your fair share of the work.
• Pull strings: To use personal influence to get something done.

Verb

1. pull along heavily, like a heavy load against a resistance
   • Can you shlep this bag of potatoes upstairs?
   • She pulled along a large trunk