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pull round

B2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive

To recover from illness or unconsciousness, especially after a serious or life-threatening episode.

In plain English

To get better after being very sick.

What does "pull round" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

To recover from a serious illness or medical emergency.

"The doctors weren't sure she would survive the night, but she pulled round by morning."

inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To help someone recover from illness or unconsciousness.

"The paramedics worked hard and eventually pulled him round."

separable
Usage tip

Chiefly British English. Can be used intransitively (the patient pulled round) or transitively (the doctors pulled her round). Less common than 'pull through'. Often used in emotional or dramatic contexts.

Words that pair with "pull round"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

patient illness operation doctors crisis overdose

How to conjugate "pull round"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

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

Hear "pull round" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "pull round" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

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