pull for
B1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To really want someone to win or do well.
Literal meaning: To physically pull toward something — idiomatically extended to pulling someone toward success with your support.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To hope that someone succeeds or wins, especially emotionally rather than through direct action.
"Everyone in the office was pulling for Maria to get the promotion."
"I'm pulling for you — we're all pulling for you."
— Stuart Smalley (Al Franken), Saturday Night Live recurring sketch, 1990s
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
To support a particular outcome or side in a contest or competition.
"Which team are you pulling for in the final?"
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Common in American English. Often used in sports contexts but also in general situations of hope or support. Rarely used in formal writing.
Commonly used with
team player candidate underdog friend athlete
Forms
Base
pull for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pulls for
he/she/it
Past simple
pulled for
yesterday
Past participle
pulled for
have + pp
-ing form
pulling for
continuous
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