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.