pull something off

pull off

1. To forcibly remove something (from or off something else). In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "pull" and "off." Don't pull off the bandage or the wound might get infected. Kids have been going around at night pulling numbers off the front of houses.
2. To suddenly or forcibly remove someone (from something). In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "pull" and "off." The coach pulled me off when he saw that I was in pain. The host pulled off the guest panelist when he refused to answer the question. They're pulling her off the debate team because of what happened at the last competition.
3. To be able to perform or complete something, especially in the face of hardships, difficulties, or setbacks. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "pull" and "off." Congratulations on winning the case! I wasn't sure you'd pull it off. If they're able to pull off the merger, they would form the largest single corporation in the world.
4. To exit a road or highway, as by taking an exit or pulling onto the shoulder or another street or into a parking lot. If you pull off the highway at Exit 5, you'll be able to reach the town in less than an hour. We pulled off at a truck stop just outside the city. I think you've got a flat tire. You'd better pull off.
5. vulgar slang To masturbate a male until he ejaculates. Can be said of oneself or another male. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "pull" and "off."
See also: off, pull
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

pull something off

tv. to make something happen. It takes a lot of skill to pull off something like that.
See also: off, pull, something
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • bite off
  • base off (of) (something else)
  • blow off
  • blow someone/something off
  • check off
  • blow off the map
  • brass off
  • brass someone off
  • brassed off
  • cheese off
References in periodicals archive
"I love the fact that Andy Preston has got big ambitions, and if he puts his mind to it, I think he can pull something off.
COULD IT BE MAGIC?
"Hopefully we can pull something off and make some special memories and history."
Ox dreams of having key part to play in Madrid / and Gomez in
"But we have our first league meeting of the season to focus on against Sheffield in the meantime and of course we'd love this current set of riders to pull something off."
Brummies could face changes, admits boss; SPEEDWAY
"But when Stephen suggested we work together to pull something off in the wake of the chaos and disappointment left by the cancellation of Loch Lomond Live I thought it was a great idea - especially as a lot of people have booked accommodation in the area.
Musicians to the rescue; Winnock Hotel, Drymen and other venues
"But when Stephen (Scott from Have Mercy Las Vegas) suggested we work together to pull something off in the wake of the chaos and disappointment left by the cancellation of Loch Lomond Live, I thought it was a great idea - especially as a lot of people have booked accommodation in the area.
I'M HERE TO LIFT THE GATHERING BLUES
"Most prime ministers and politicians, they try to measure things and if they're not assured they can pull something off or they don't understand it, they stay away from it.
Tragically Hip's Gord Downie says First Nations in good hands with PM
It is not trying to pull something off in case no one finds out, Escudero said.
Roxas, Binay asked to stop allies on Poe's disqualification case
"We have got plans in place, and if we commit to those we can pull something off."
Danny is the boy as Adam and Irish star link up
It was a very hard final race today; I just managed to pull something off in the end," said an elated Mawson at the post-event Press conference.
Mawson shines brightest at BIC
"It felt (mildly) risky casting him, because you always wonder if an actor can pull something off. But when I met with Daniel, he was very smart, very considered, and after we tested him, that relaxed a lot of people," Watkins says.
Hammer scares up coin from a new Generation
John Zerwas, R-Simonton, who filed the Texas health exchange bill that failed in the just-ended session, said that if the federal government threatens to install a one-size-fits-all program in Texas, "we could, in fact, pull something off in really short order."
While Perry Rejects Federal Reform, State Agency Quietly Presses On
"It's getting to that point where it's now or nothing until January and, while it's not essential to get someone in, I think it would give us a lift if we can pull something off," he explained.
County are taking nothing for granted
"It takes a lot of skill and expertise to pull something off like that.
HERO RICK CALLED TO DRIVE TRAGEDY
"We're going to be able to pull something off. I'm just not sure what it will be right now," he said.
Firm buys assisted living centers
"But if we play to the best of our abilities then hopefully we can pull something off."
HOT ROD'S DREAM OF SKINNING THE CATS