pull off
ينجح في
Literalmente: To pull (something) away or off a surface
Use it to celebrate a surprising success or someone looking great in a risky outfit.
En 15 segundos
- Succeeding at something difficult or very unlikely.
- Commonly used for fashion, sports, and high-pressure work tasks.
- Implies the person had the skill to make it work.
Significado
It means to successfully complete something difficult or unexpected that others thought you couldn't do. It is like pulling a rabbit out of a hat—a surprising victory.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Complimenting a friend's bold outfit
I didn't think anyone could look good in that hat, but you really pull it off!
I didn't think anyone could look good in that hat, but you really pull it off!
Discussing a last-minute business deal
We only had two days, but we managed to pull off the deal.
We only had two days, but we managed to pull off the deal.
Texting about a sports victory
Can you believe they pulled off that win in the final minute?
Can you believe they pulled off that win in the final minute?
Contexto cultural
The phrase gained popularity in the 19th century, often associated with sporting matches or daring feats. It reflects the Western cultural value of the 'underdog' who succeeds through grit and style. Today, it is heavily used in the fashion world to describe someone's ability to look good in unconventional clothing.
The 'It' Factor
If the listener already knows what you are talking about, just say 'We pulled it off!' You don't need to repeat the whole task.
Don't confuse with 'Pull Over'
If a cop tells you to `pull over`, stop your car. If they tell you that you `pull off` that outfit, they are giving you a compliment!
En 15 segundos
- Succeeding at something difficult or very unlikely.
- Commonly used for fashion, sports, and high-pressure work tasks.
- Implies the person had the skill to make it work.
What It Means
Pull off is about succeeding against the odds. It is not just about finishing a task. It is about winning when it looked like you might fail. Imagine you are wearing a very bold, neon green suit. If people say you can pull it off, they mean you actually look good in it. It describes a triumph that requires skill, guts, or just a bit of magic.
How To Use It
You usually place the achievement after the phrase. You can say pull off a win or pull off a miracle. You can also split the phrase. If you are talking about a difficult plan, you might say, "I can't believe we pulled it off!" It works best for singular events or specific achievements. Do not use it for long-term habits like brushing your teeth.
When To Use It
Use it when the result is impressive. It is perfect for sports when a team wins in the last second. Use it at work when you finish a huge project with a tiny budget. It is also great for fashion. If your friend wears a ridiculous hat and looks cool, tell them they pull it off. It adds a sense of 'wow' to the conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it for easy, everyday things. You do not pull off eating breakfast. Do not use it for things that happen by pure luck without effort. If you find a dollar on the street, you didn't pull it off. Also, be careful in very formal legal documents. It sounds a bit too energetic and conversational for a court of law.
Cultural Background
This phrase likely comes from the idea of removing a difficult lid or a stubborn object. In the mid-19th century, it started being used for sports and competitions. It suggests that success was 'grabbed' or 'taken' through effort. In modern pop culture, it is the ultimate compliment for someone with a unique style or a daring plan.
Common Variations
You might hear people say carry it off, which is a bit more British and formal. Another variation is bring it off, though that is less common now. In slang, people might just say "You killed it!" to mean the same thing. But pull off remains the king of describing a surprising success.
Notas de uso
The phrase is highly versatile but carries a tone of excitement. Use it when you want to emphasize that the success was not guaranteed.
The 'It' Factor
If the listener already knows what you are talking about, just say 'We pulled it off!' You don't need to repeat the whole task.
Don't confuse with 'Pull Over'
If a cop tells you to `pull over`, stop your car. If they tell you that you `pull off` that outfit, they are giving you a compliment!
Fashion Secrets
In the US, 'pulling it off' is the ultimate praise for someone with 'main character energy' who takes fashion risks.
Ejemplos
6I didn't think anyone could look good in that hat, but you really pull it off!
I didn't think anyone could look good in that hat, but you really pull it off!
Used here to mean 'looking good in something difficult to wear'.
We only had two days, but we managed to pull off the deal.
We only had two days, but we managed to pull off the deal.
Focuses on the difficulty of the timeline.
Can you believe they pulled off that win in the final minute?
Can you believe they pulled off that win in the final minute?
Expresses shock and excitement.
He tried to pull off the 'hidden coin' trick but dropped the coin immediately.
He tried to pull off the 'hidden coin' trick but dropped the coin immediately.
Used ironically to show a failed attempt at something clever.
You've practiced so hard; I know you're going to pull it off.
You've practiced so hard; I know you're going to pull it off.
Provides emotional support and confidence.
It's going to be hard to keep it a secret, but I think we can pull it off.
It's going to be hard to keep it a secret, but I think we can pull it off.
Refers to the difficulty of maintaining a secret.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best word to complete the sentence.
The team was losing by 20 points, but they somehow managed to ___ off a victory.
The phrase `pull off` is the standard collocation for succeeding in a difficult situation.
Which context fits 'pull off' best?
She is the only person I know who can ___ that purple hairstyle.
When talking about fashion or appearances, `pull off` means to look good in something unusual.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Pull Off'
Used with friends about clothes or pranks.
You pulled off that prank perfectly!
Common in office settings for achievements.
We pulled off the launch on time.
Rarely used in academic or legal writing.
The administration successfully executed the plan.
When to say 'Pull it off'
Fashion
Wearing a vintage suit
Sports
Last-minute goal
Business
Closing a hard deal
Events
A surprise party
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt means to succeed in doing something difficult or unexpected. For example, He pulled off a miracle.
Yes! It means you look good in something that might be hard for others to wear, like She can really pull off short hair.
It is neutral to informal. It is fine for the office, but maybe not for a PhD thesis or a legal contract.
Succeed is general, but pull off implies the task was particularly hard or surprising.
Yes, but that is the literal meaning (removing them), not the idiomatic meaning of succeeding.
You put 'it' in the middle: I pulled it off. You cannot say I pulled off it.
Yes, it is used globally in English-speaking countries, including the UK and Australia.
Often! Movies often talk about characters trying to pull off a heist or a robbery.
Using it for easy things. Don't say I pulled off buying milk. It sounds like buying milk was a massive challenge.
No, there isn't a common noun like 'a pulloff' for success. Stick to the verb form.
Frases relacionadas
Carry it off
Bring it off
Make it happen
Score a win
Hack it
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