“Pull the plug” is an idiom for stopping an activity, project, or arrangement from continuing, especially by withdrawing the support that keeps it going. The page stays with the current dictionary meaning and makes no unsupported first-use claim.
ReviewedEvidence1 sourceSectionPhrases & Idioms
Quick answer
“Pull the plug” means to stop something from continuing, often by ending support or funding.
Key details
Canonical Formpull the plug
Core Meaningto stop an activity or project from continuing, especially by withdrawing support
Further guidance
Current Meaning
To stop an activity or project from continuing, especially by withdrawing support
History Boundary
This guide establishes present-day form and meaning and does not assert an exact inventor, coinage, or first printed use.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
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