pull-in

[pool-in]

noun

British.

1. drive-in.

pull in

verb

1. to reach a destination

   the train pulled in at the station

2. Also: pull over. (intr)

   1. to draw in to the side of the road in order to stop or to allow another vehicle to pass

   2. to stop (at a café, lay-by, etc)

3. (tr) to draw or attract

   his appearance will pull in the crowds

4. slang,  (tr) to arrest

5. (tr) to earn or gain (money)

noun

1. a roadside café, esp for lorry drivers

Word History and Origins

Origin of pull in¹

First recorded in 1935–40; noun, adj. use of verb phrase pull in

Idioms and Phrases

Arrive at a destination, as in The train pulled in right on time . [c. 1900]

Rein in, restrain, as in She pulled in her horse , or The executives did not want to pull in their most aggressive salesmen . [c. 1600]

Arrest a suspect, as in The police said they could pull him in on lesser charges . [Late 1800s]

Related Words

• absorb 
• bring in 
• draw in 
• earn