ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pull one's weight

idiom
Meaning

To contribute fairly and proportionately to a group effort; to do the work that one is obligated to.


Examples
SIMPLE

Everyone must pull their weight to finish the project on time.

CONTEXTUAL

If you want to stay on this team, you need to pull your weight instead of letting others do all the work.

COMPLEX

The manager warned the staff that the company could not succeed unless every employee committed to pulling their weight during the busy season.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

Last updated July 12, 2026