English Reference
Idiom idiom

pulling the plug


passive euthanasia

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

The doctors are pulling the plug on the patient today.

CONTEXTUAL

After the medical team confirmed there was no hope for recovery, the family decided it was time to pull the plug.

COMPLEX

Following weeks of agonizing deliberation over the patient's irreversible condition, the family finally authorized the hospital staff to pull the plug.


Related idioms5entries
  1. 01

    not worth a plug nickel

    Having no or almost no value; worthless.

  2. 02

    plug in

    To connect (an electrical device) to a plug socket.

  3. 03

    plug into

    To become aware of or knowledgeable about.

  4. 04

    pulling power

    A person's ability to attract other people sexually.

  5. 05

    put the plug in the jug

    To cease drinking alcohol; to become teetotal.

Last updated August 10, 2026