1 B2 idiomatic informal
To succeed or win at the very last moment, especially after being close to failure or defeat.
"They were losing 3–1 with ten minutes to go, but somehow they pulled it out."
separable
pull it out
B2 informal separable transitive
To succeed or win at the last moment, especially after being close to failure.
In plain English
To win or succeed just when it looked like you were going to lose.
What does "pull it out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
(Extended) To produce an impressive result or solution when it is most needed, often surprising others.
"The design team really pulled it out — the client loved the final presentation."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically remove something from a container — metaphorically, to extract a win from an apparently hopeless situation.
Actually means
To win or succeed just when it looked like you were going to lose.
Usage tip
Often appears as 'pull it out of the bag' (chiefly British) or 'pull it out' alone. Implies drama and a reversal of fortune. Very common in sports commentary and business contexts.
Words that pair with "pull it out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
bag hat fire game match deal
How to conjugate "pull it out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pull it out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pulls it out
he/she/it
Past simple
pulled it out
yesterday
Past participle
pulled it out
have + pp
-ing form
pulling it out
continuous
Hear "pull it out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pull it out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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