IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishpull the plug
Meaning: To put a stop to something, especially by cutting off its support.
Example: “The studio pulled the plug on the sequel.”
Origin: Pulling a plug stops the water or the electricity. The figurative sense is common from the mid-20th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Dutch: de nek omdraaien Literally: To turn the neck around
More English idioms
- take matters into one's own hands To act oneself because others have failed to.
- fight fire with fire To respond to an attack with the same methods.
- all in one's head Imagined rather than real, or a matter of attitude.
- stink to high heaven To smell terrible; also, to seem very dishonest.
- on a silver platter Given to someone without any effort on their part.
- dig one's heels in To refuse stubbornly to change one's mind.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Hai le mani d'oro You're extraordinarily skilled with your hands — a craftsperson, cook, or fixer of legend…
- Sei una persona d'oro You're genuinely wonderful — kind, trustworthy, and precious to have in one's life.
- Che spettacolo! You look absolutely stunning — a spontaneous burst of admiration for someone's appearance.
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