English Reference
Idiom idiom

pull the plug


To stop a task or activity from continuing.


SIMPLE

“The company decided to pull the plug on the failing project.”

CONTEXTUAL

“After three months of low sales, the manager had to pull the plug on the new marketing campaign.”

COMPLEX

“Despite the team's dedication, the board of directors chose to pull the plug on the research initiative when the funding finally ran out.”

Last updated July 14, 2026