pull out

You can use it literally for objects. You pull out your phone to check the time. You pull out a chair for a friend at dinner. In a more abstract way, you use it for events. A company might pull out of a merger. A tennis player might pull out of a tournament due to injury. It is a very flexible phrasal verb. Just remember that it usually implies leaving a space or a commitment.

Use it when you are driving and leaving a driveway. Use it when you are at a cafe and need to find your wallet in your messy bag. It is also perfect for business when a partner cancels a contract. If you are talking about sports, use it when a team leaves a competition. It works well in everyday storytelling to add a sense of action. It feels natural and active in almost any conversation.

Don't use it if you are just 'canceling' a small hang-out with one friend. In that case, flake or cancel is better. Pull out usually sounds a bit more significant or official. Also, be careful in very specific medical or intimate contexts. It can have slang meanings that might cause a few giggles if used awkwardly. Stick to objects, driving, and formal agreements to stay safe.

In Western culture, 'pulling out' of a deal is often seen as a big move. It suggests a sudden change in strategy or a loss of confidence. In the business world, it can be quite dramatic. It implies that the person or group is taking their resources and going home. Historically, it was used heavily in military contexts to describe retreating from a battle zone.

You will often hear pull out all the stops. This is different! That means to try your absolute hardest. You might also hear pullout as a noun, like a pullout sofa (a bed that hides inside a couch). Another common one is pull out of a tailspin, which means to stop a situation from getting worse. Each variation keeps that core idea of moving something from 'in' to 'out'.