pull the plug

idiom

Meaning

To stop a task or activity from continuing.

Examples

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