English idiom

pull the plug

Register · Informal CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

to stop funding or supporting something, ending it abruptly

Why this phrase?

From unplugging a machine: it stops immediately.

Example

“The parent company pulled the plug on the side project.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

hold the purse strings

to control a budget and decide how money may be spent

a rip-off

Something that is far too expensive for what it is.

ballpark figure

a rough estimate, not an exact number

cost an arm and a leg

To be extremely expensive.

cut your losses

to stop investing in a failing venture in order to avoid further loss

in a tight spot

in a difficult or dangerous situation

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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