To pull something downward forcefully, especially a flag, sail, or heavy object.
To pull something large and heavy down from where it is raised.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To pull a flag, sail, or similar object down from a raised position, especially as a sign of surrender or the end of use.
"The soldiers hauled down the flag as night fell over the abandoned fort."
They hauled down the Confederate flag from the statehouse grounds.
— Associated Press, reporting on events in South Carolina, July 2015
To bring down or defeat a powerful person or institution.
"The journalist's exposé hauled down one of the most corrupt officials in the city's history."
To pull or drag something down from a height with effort.
To pull something large and heavy down from where it is raised.
Most commonly used in nautical contexts (lowering sails) and in the ceremonial context of lowering a flag in defeat or surrender. Also used in logging and heavy industry. Can be used figuratively to mean defeating or removing someone from power.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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