ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pull over

idiom
Meaning

To come to a stop, and turn off the road (i.e. onto the roadside or hard shoulder).


Examples
SIMPLE

Please pull over so I can buy some coffee.

CONTEXTUAL

The police officer signaled for the driver to pull over after noticing a broken taillight.

COMPLEX

Realizing the engine was beginning to overheat, the driver decided to pull over onto the gravel shoulder to inspect the damage before continuing the journey.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    gravity's pull

    Stress or pressure of a situation acting upon a person.

  2. 02

    pull a face

    To make an abnormal facial expression, either intentionally or because of an emotion.

  3. 03

    pull a fast one

    To carry out a trick or act of deception; to behave contrary to expectations.

  4. 04

    pull a lever

    To vote.

  5. 05

    pull a rabbit out of a hat

    To do something surprising and beneficial that is unexpected.

  6. 06

    pull ahead

    To move into a winning position (e.g. in a race or competition).

  7. 07

    pull an all-nighter

    To stay awake throughout the night, usually when working or studying.

  8. 08

    pull away

    To move ahead.

Last updated April 17, 2026