pull

B1 · Intermediate Medicine

v. to hurt a muscle by stretching it too far.

v. to injure a muscle, tendon, or ligament by overexertion or overstretching.

“He had to stop running because he pulled a muscle in his leg.”

“The athlete was forced to withdraw from the competition after he pulled a hamstring during the final warm-up session.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to take something away from a place or stop it from being available.

v. to withdraw something from circulation, availability, or a specific location.

“The company decided to pull the product from stores after finding a defect.”

“The publisher was forced to pull the controversial advertisement following a wave of public complaints.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

v. to do something, usually a trick or something slightly bad.

v. to carry out or perform an action, typically one that is deceptive or unexpected.

“Don't try to pull any tricks on me; I know what you're doing.”

“It was a risky move, but the pilot managed to pull off a perfect emergency landing in the field.”

C1 · Advanced Slang · British English

v. to successfully attract someone you are interested in dating.

v. to attract or persuade someone into a romantic or sexual encounter.

“He was hoping to pull someone at the party last night.”

“Despite his lack of confidence, he managed to pull a date for the upcoming formal dance.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. the act of using force to move something toward you.

n. an instance of applying force toward oneself.

“Give the rope a strong pull to make sure it is tied tightly.”

“With one final, desperate pull, the rescuers managed to haul the climber back onto the ledge.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a part of something that you hold to pull it open.

n. a device or part designed to be pulled, such as a handle, knob, or cord.

“The drawer pull was made of shiny brass.”

“The architect specified custom-made leather pulls for the cabinet doors to match the office's aesthetic.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Informal

n. the power to influence people or get what you want.

n. the power to influence situations or people; social or professional clout.

“He has a lot of pull with the local government.”

“Without significant political pull, it is unlikely that the small non-profit will secure the necessary funding for the project.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a strong feeling that makes you want to go somewhere or do something.

n. a force of attraction or a compelling interest that draws someone toward something.

“She felt the pull of her home town and decided to move back.”

“The magnetic pull of the city's nightlife proved too strong for the young students to resist.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal

n. a single deep breath of smoke or a large swallow of a drink.

n. an act of inhaling smoke from a cigarette or pipe, or a deep swallow of a liquid.

“He took a long pull of his cold beer after the long walk.”

“He took a final pull on his cigarette before crushing it out in the overflowing ashtray.”