PhrasesHub

Pull the plug

    Definitions

      • End or stop something abruptly or suddenly
        To abruptly end or terminate an activity, situation, or relationship, often without warning or consideration for consequences

      • Withdraw support or funding
        To stop providing financial or other forms of support for someone or something, often with negative consequences for the recipient

      • Give up or abandon something
        To abandon or give up on a plan, project, or idea, often due to lack of success or support

    Examples of Pull the plug

    • The company decided to pull the plug on the project due to financial constraints.

      To "pull the plug" is to end or stop something abruptly, often because it is no longer feasible or profitable. In this case, the company decided to stop the project because it was no longer financially viable.

    • The team pulled the plug on the experiment when they realized it was not producing the desired results.

      Here, "pulling the plug" refers to stopping or ending an experiment when it is not producing the expected results. This idiom is often used in scientific contexts.

    • After weeks of struggling, the athlete finally pulled the plug on her training regimen.

      In this example, "pulling the plug" means stopping or ending a training regimen, possibly because it is no longer effective or because the athlete has become disheartened.

    • The artist pulled the plug on her tour due to health concerns.

      Here, "pulling the plug" refers to canceling a tour or performance because of health issues.

    • The manager pulled the plug on the meeting when it became clear that there was no consensus among the participants.

      In this context, "pulling the plug" means ending a meeting or discussion when it is clear that there is no agreement or resolution being reached. This idiom is often used in business and professional settings.


    Conclusion

    Overall, the idiom "pull the plug" refers to abruptly ending or stopping something, whether it be a physical object or an abstract concept. It can also refer to withdrawing support or abandoning something. In all cases, the action is done abruptly and without warning.

    Origin of "Pull the plug"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the invention of the electric light bulb by Thomas Edison in the late 19th century. At the time, electric lights were still a new and innovative technology, and they were connected to power sources by cords and plugs. In order to turn off the lights, one would have to literally "pull the plug" from the socket.

    Over time, this phrase evolved to also refer to abruptly ending or stopping something, as it was a physical action that demonstrated an immediate and final termination. The phrase became more popular in the 20th century as electricity became more widespread and household appliances were also connected to power sources by cords and plugs.

    The idiom has also been used in a figurative sense, referring to ending or stopping something in a similar abrupt manner. This can be seen in its use to describe ending a relationship or terminating a project or plan. The action of pulling the plug in these situations is meant to convey a sudden and final end to the situation.