pull at
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: 1. To tug or pluck repeatedly at something with one's fingers: This describes the action of using fingers to grasp and gently, often nervously or absently, tug on an object, typically fabric or a small item. 2. To exert a pulling force on something: This describes applying a pulling action towards oneself on an object.
Usage and Examples
- She would pull at the loose thread on her sleeve when she was anxious.
- The child pulled at his mother's coat to get her attention.
- He sat there, pulling at his beard while deep in thought.
Advanced Usage
- "To pull at someone's heartstrings": This is an idiomatic expression meaning to evoke strong feelings of pity or sympathy. While it uses "pull at," the phrase functions as a fixed unit.
- The documentary about the rescued animals really pulled at my heartstrings.
Variants and Related Words
- Pick at (phrasal verb): Often used synonymously with 'pull at' when referring to nervous fingering. It can also mean to eat without appetite.
- Pluck at (phrasal verb): Very similar to 'pull at,' emphasizing a quick, light pulling motion.
- Tug at (phrasal verb): Similar but often implies a slightly stronger or more purposeful single pull.
Synonyms
- Tug
- Pluck
- Pick at
- Twitch at
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Pull away: To move oneself or something away by pulling.
- Pull on: To apply force to something by pulling, often to put on clothing (e.g., pull on a sweater).
Related Idioms
- Pull at straws (variant of "grasp at straws"): To resort to a desperate or futile measure.
- He was pulling at straws with that weak argument.
Verb
- pluck or pull at with the fingers
- She picked nervously at the buttons of her blouse