Phrasal verb
pull off
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
pull off
Past
pulled off
Past participle
pulled off
Definition
phrasal verb. to succeed in doing something difficult or unexpected. You use this when you manage to finish a tricky task that others might fail at.
phrasal verb. To succeed in achieving something difficult, often against expectations. Transitive; the object is typically a noun phrase representing the achievement.
Examples
“I can't believe he managed to pull off that trick.”
“Despite having very little time to prepare, the team managed to pull off a spectacular presentation for the client.”
“The diplomat's ability to pull off a peace treaty under such volatile conditions was hailed as a masterstroke of international relations.”
Examples
simple
“I can't believe he managed to pull off that trick.”
contextual
“Despite having very little time to prepare, the team managed to pull off a spectacular presentation for the client.”
complex
“The diplomat's ability to pull off a peace treaty under such volatile conditions was hailed as a masterstroke of international relations.”
Usage
Usually followed by a noun representing a difficult task, like 'a win', 'a deal', or 'a stunt'.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'achieve' or 'manage'; 'pull off' emphasizes the difficulty or the surprise of the success.
Pitfall
He pulled off to win the race.
He pulled off a win in the race.
The phrase requires a noun or noun phrase as an object rather than an infinitive verb.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
optional
Pattern
pull + off + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
PHRASAL VERB
Grammar
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
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