# pull the plug

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/pull-the-plug
Updated: 2026-07-14

## Meaning

To stop a task or activity from continuing.

## Examples

- The company decided to pull the plug on the failing project.
- After three months of low sales, the manager had to pull the plug on the new marketing campaign.
- Despite the team's dedication, the board of directors chose to pull the plug on the research initiative when the funding finally ran out.

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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.