He reached into his bag to pull out a pen.
pull out
idiomTo remove something from a container.
Origin
disputed originInherited from Middle English pullen oute.
She had to pull out her passport from her backpack when the security officer asked to see it.
The magician managed to pull out a long, colorful silk scarf from his empty sleeve, much to the audience's surprise.
- 01
gravity's pull
Stress or pressure of a situation acting upon a person.
- 02
pull a face
To make an abnormal facial expression, either intentionally or because of an emotion.
- 03
pull a fast one
To carry out a trick or act of deception; to behave contrary to expectations.
- 04
pull a lever
To vote.
- 05
pull a rabbit out of a hat
To do something surprising and beneficial that is unexpected.
- 06
pull ahead
To move into a winning position (e.g. in a race or competition).
- 07
pull an all-nighter
To stay awake throughout the night, usually when working or studying.
- 08
pull away
To move ahead.
Last updated April 17, 2026