# pull one's weight

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/pull-ones-weight
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- Everyone must pull their weight to finish the project on time.
- If you want to stay on this team, you need to pull your weight instead of letting others do all the work.
- The manager warned the staff that the company could not succeed unless every employee committed to pulling their weight during the busy season.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.