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pull through

B1 neutral separable both
In simple words

To survive something very bad, like a serious illness or a huge problem.

Literal meaning: To physically pull something through a difficult space — metaphorically, to drag oneself or another through a hard period.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

To recover from a serious illness or injury.

"The surgeons were confident she would pull through, but recovery would take months."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To survive or overcome a very difficult situation.

"The small business barely had any cash, but they pulled through the recession."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

To help someone survive an illness or crisis.

"It was the team's support that pulled him through those dark months."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Used both intransitively (she pulled through) and transitively (the doctors pulled her through). Applies to illness, financial crises, disasters, and emotional hardships. Common in both British and American English.

Commonly used with

illness surgery crisis recession hardship patient ordeal

Forms

Base
pull through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pulls through
he/she/it
Past simple
pulled through
yesterday
Past participle
pulled through
have + pp
-ing form
pulling through
continuous

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