Definition & Meaning of "Pull the plug"

pull the plug

/pˈʊl ðə plˈʌɡ/

to pull the plug

PHRASE

to prevent the occurrence or continuation of an activity

What is the origin of the idiom "pull the plug" and when to use it?

The idiom "pull the plug" originates from the literal action of unplugging an electrical device or disconnecting it from its power source, effectively stopping its operation. It has been used figuratively to describe the act of discontinuing or terminating a project, initiative, or situation abruptly and decisively.

Example

The studio decided to pull the plug on the television series due to declining viewership and budget constraints.

The patient's family had to make the painful decision to pull the plug on life support after consulting with medical professionals.

When the funding ran out, the organization had no choice but to pull the plug on their research project.

The team will discuss the possibility of pulling the plug on the outdated software during their next meeting.

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