Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Jump to:
  • pull-off
    pull-off
    noun
    an act of pulling off.
  • pull off
    pull off
    verb
    to remove (clothing) forcefully
Synonyms

pull-off

American  
[pool-awf, -of] / ˈpʊlˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

noun

  1. an act of pulling off.

    The inn is well worth a pull-off from the Interstate.

  2. a rest area at the side of a road where vehicles may park.


pull off British  

verb

  1. to remove (clothing) forcefully

  2. (adverb) to succeed in performing (a difficult feat)

  3. (intr) (of a motor vehicle, driver, etc) to move to the side of the road and stop

  4. (intr) (of a motor vehicle, driver, etc) to start to move

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

pull off Idioms  
  1. Accomplish, bring off, especially in the face of difficulties or at the last minute. For example, I never thought we'd ever stage this play, but somehow we pulled it off. [Colloquial; second half of 1800s]


Etymology

Origin of pull-off

First recorded in 1855–60; noun use of verb phrase pull off

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Hearts seeking the fairytale story of a first league title in 66 years and Celtic, steered by Martin O'Neill, looking to pull off a win like few others.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

At the same time, the company is trying to pull off a complex business model shift, whereby it designs its own chips while also manufacturing chips designed by others.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

Unless James can juke Father Time and pull off another odds-defying dead lift for the ages.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

PSG go into the tie at Anfield with a two-goal lead after winning convincingly in Paris last week but Slot was adamant the Reds can pull off what would be a comeback for the ages.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

It crinkles as I pull off the rubber band and roll the paper open like a giant map.

From "The House That Lou Built" by Mae Respicio