pull on

Related to pull on: pull off

pull on

1. To tug or yank at something. Pull on this cord when you are ready for your parachute to deploy. Stop pulling on that cable or you'll end up breaking the lamp!
2. To put an article of clothing on one's body by pulling it. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "pull" and "on." He pulled on his shoes and ran out the door. I was still trying to pull my pants on when the police officers barged the door down.
3. To drink or inhale something by drawing on it intensely and at length. He pulled on the beer one last time before leaving the bar with the police. We all sat around pulling on the hookah, chatting about our various travels.
4. To draw a weapon and point it at someone or threaten them with it. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "pull" and "on." The mugger pulled a gun on me and told me to give him all my money. If you pull a knife on someone, you had better be prepared to use it.
5. To fool, deceive, or swindle someone with a trick or joke. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "pull" and "on." The billionaire has been arrested for allegedly pulling a con on millions of people, promising quick wealth and minimal effort by investing in what later turned out to be a Ponzi scheme. You should have thought twice about pulling something on the Mafia—now they're looking to get even.
See also: on, pull
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

pull something on someone

to play a trick on someone; to deceive someone with a trick. (The word something is often used.) You wouldn't pull a trick on me, would you? Who would pull something like that on an old lady?
See also: on, pull

pull something on

to draw on an article of clothing. He pulled his pants on. He pulled on his pants quickly and ran outside while putting on his shirt.
See also: on, pull

pull on something

to tug something. I pulled on the rope, hoping to get it loose. Please help me pull on the anchor chain so we can raise the anchor.
See also: on, pull
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

pull on

v.
1. To pull something directly; tug something: Please don't pull on my hair; it hurts.
2. To put something on by pulling: I pulled on my boots and stepped outside. We pulled our jackets on when the sun went down.
3. To take a long puff or sip of something: My friends and I pulled on the cold beer with gusto.
4. To draw out a weapon and threaten someone: The intruder pulled a knife on me.
See also: on, pull
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • pull at
  • pull to
  • pull under
  • pull (someone or something) under
  • yank up
  • yank out
  • yank in
  • pull (someone or something) by (something)
  • pull by
  • tug at (someone or something)