1 B1 neutral
to take someone to one side away from other people
"The manager pulled me aside after lunch."
separable
pull aside
B1 neutral separable transitive
to move someone to one side, often to speak privately
In plain English
to bring someone away from the group for a quiet talk
What does "pull aside" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
to speak privately to someone, often to give advice, warning, or criticism
"She pulled her son aside to remind him to be polite."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Literally, to draw someone to the side.
Actually means
to bring someone away from the group for a quiet talk
Usage tip
Very common in social and workplace situations. Often implies a brief private conversation.
Words that pair with "pull aside"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
someone employee student friend for a word after the meeting
How to conjugate "pull aside"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pull aside
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pulls aside
he/she/it
Past simple
pulled aside
yesterday
Past participle
pulled aside
have + pp
-ing form
pulling aside
continuous
Hear "pull aside" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pull aside" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "pull aside"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
draw aside have a quiet word with lead aside move aside speak to privately take aside
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