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The idiom “pull the plug” in English Grammar refers to the act of preventing or ending something, usually unexpectedly. Additionally, this idiom is used when a project, plan, or activity is suddenly stopped or cancelled, because of lack of support, resources, or viability. For example, if a family decides to pull the plug on their vacation plans due to unexpected weather conditions, it means they have chosen to cancel the trip and no longer proceed with the planned getaway. Read on to learn more about the meaning, origin, and usage of the Pull the Plug Idiom, discover its synonyms, and test your understanding with a quick quiz!
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Pull the Plug: Meaning, Origin and Example
As you have already learned, the idiom “pull the plug” means to put an end to something, generally by cutting off support or resources. For example, if a television network decides to pull the plug on a show because of low ratings, it means they are cancelling the series and ending its broadcast.
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Pull the Plug Idiom Example Sentences
After getting through with the meaning and origin of the idiom “pull the plug” here are 5 example sentences of the idiom so that you can understand how to use it.
- After years of losses, the board eventually pulled the plug on the failing business.
- The government pulled the plug on the outdated policy after realising its ineffectiveness.
- When the event encountered multiple setbacks, the organisers chose to pull the plug.
- The city council decided to pull the plug on the construction project because of environmental concerns.
- The team was disappointed when management pulled the plug on their proposal.
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Synonyms of Pull the Plug Idiom
After understanding the meaning and usage examples of the idiom, here are some synonyms that convey the idea of preventing something from happening or continuing.
| Bring to an end | Bring to a halt |
| Discontinue | Terminate |
| Dispense with | Put a stop to |
| Refrain from | Call a halt to |
Explore more exciting Synonyms below!
| Synonyms of Health | Synonyms of Welcome |
| Synonyms of Journey | Synonyms of Travelling |
| Synonyms of Freedom | Synonyms of Ability |
Pull the Plug Idiom Quiz
After you have gone through all the details related to the ‘pull the plug’ idiom, it is time to test your learning with the help of this quiz!
Q1. Which sentence correctly uses the idiom “pull the plug”?
a) She decided to pull the plug on the new project after it failed to meet expectations.
b) She decided to pull the cord on the new project after it failed to meet expectations.
c) She decided to push the plug on the new project after it failed to meet expectations.
d) She decided to pull the switch on the new project after it failed to meet expectations.
Q2. What does the idiom “pull the plug” mean?
a) To continue with something
b) To end or terminate something
c) To start something
d) To improve something
Q3. 4. Identify the correct tense usage of “pull the plug.”
a) They will not be pulling the plug on the program next week.
b) They have pulled the plug on the program last week.
c) They are going to pull the plug on the program next week.
d) They pulls the plug on the program next week.
Q4. Identify the idiom variation that maintains the meaning of “pull the plug.”
a) Bring to a halt
b) Push the plug
c) Extend the deadline
d) Launch the project
Q5. Which of these actions describes “pulling the plug”?
a) Starting a new project
b) Turning off a machine
c) Fixing a broken item
d) Making a new plan
Q6. 9. Which sentence uses “pull the plug” incorrectly?
a) The manager pulled the plug on the project.
b) They pulled the plug on the broken computer.
c) She pulled the plug on her vacation plans.
d) He pulled the plug to start the meeting.
Here are your answers!
- a) She decided to pull the plug on the new project after it failed to meet expectations.
- b) To end or terminate something
- c) They are going to pull the plug on the program next week.
- a) Bring to a halt
- b) Turning off a machine
- d) He pulled the plug to start the meeting.
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FAQs
The idiom “pull the plug,” means to stop or end something abruptly. It is usually used figuratively to describe cancelling or terminating a project, event, or activity.
Pulling the plug means to end or stop something suddenly, usually something that is no longer considered useful or desirable.
An example of “pull the plug on” is ‘the company decided to pull the plug on the failing project due to lack of funding and diminishing returns.’
An example of “pulling the plug” is when a patient in a critical condition may have their life support disconnected, which would be referred to as “pulling the plug.”
The phrase “pulling the plug” is used to describe the act of disconnecting a piece of equipment from its power source, usually to stop it from functioning. This analogy has been extended to metaphorical contexts, such as ending a life support system or discontinuing a project.
This was all about the Pull the Plug Idiom. You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs related to English grammar and the English language.
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