pull out
Related to pull out: Pull out method, pull something out
pull out
1. To depart from or drive away from some place in a vehicle, typically a car or train. I knocked over the mailbox when I was pulling out of the driveway. The train will pull out at exactly 6:30, so don't be late.
2. To withdraw or remove someone (from something). In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "pull" and "out." The president-elect promised to pull our troops out as soon as she takes office. Unfortunately, we'll have to pull him out of class, but there is no other choice.
3. To leave or withdraw (from something). They became the first nation to pull out of the peace-keeping summit in over 50 years. I had to pull out of the campaign when my son became ill.
4. In an automobile, to leave one's current position to enter traffic. Now, be careful when you pull out of this parking space. You don't want to get hit by some car you couldn't see coming. I had to beep at the guy—he pulled out right in front of me without using his turn signal!
5. vulgar slang To remove one's penis from someone's vagina or anus before ejaculating. The "pulling out" method is not an effective form of birth control.
See also: out, pull
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
pull out
(of something)1. to withdraw from something. For some reason, he pulled out of the coalition and went his own way. The other side got impatient with the negotiations and pulled out.
2. to drive out of something, such as a driveway, parking space, garage, etc. The car pulled out of the driveway and nearly hit a truck. Look out! A car is about to pull out!
See also: out, pull
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
pull out
1. Leave, depart, as in The bus pulled out at noon. [Mid-1800s]
2. Withdraw from an undertaking, as in After the crash many investors pulled out of the market. [Late 1800s]
See also: out, pull
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
pull out
v.
1. To remove something: I pulled out the splinter with a pair of tweezers. The chef pulled a lobster out of the tank.
2. To bring something forth; produce something: She reached into her purse and pulled out her wallet. The mugger pulled a knife out and threatened us.
3. To leave or depart. Used of a vehicle, passenger, or driver: The train pulls out at noon. We pulled out of town in the evening.
4. To enter a lane of traffic: The car pulled out onto the highway. The truck pulled out in front of us.
5. To withdraw from some situation or commitment; get out of some situation: The troops will pull out from the occupied area as soon as peace is restored. After the crash, many Wall Street investors pulled out. The pilot pulled out of a nose dive.
6. To withdraw something or someone, as from a situation or commitment: The government pulled out its ambassador before the war began. We pulled the children out of school and educated them at home.
See also: out, pull
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- nudge out
- depart
- depart for (some place)
- depart for some place
- run off
- breeze away
- depart this life
- as we speak
- do a moonlight flit
- be off