He pulls the shutters down whenever I ask about his past.
pull the shutters down
idiomTo shut down, terminate, or ignore.
Origin
disputed originFrom the practice of stores using roller shutters to protect their entrances when closed.
When the manager started discussing the budget cuts, the team pulled the shutters down and stopped listening.
Faced with the uncomfortable truth of his failure, he pulled the shutters down on the conversation and retreated into a cold, defensive silence.
- 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