plug

pull the plug

to do something which prevents an activity from continuing, especially to stop giving money. If the viewing figures drop much further, the TV company will pull the plug on the whole series. (often + on)

See also: pull

a spark plug (American, informal)

a person with a lot of energy and ideas who encourages the other people in a group. The school's new principal is the spark plug in a team that includes parents, teachers and community.

See also: spark

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plug away (at something)

to keep working in a determined way. He's experienced plenty of hard times, but Ed is still plugging away, playing several nights a week at a local jazz club. The powerful computer was plugging away at the problem for weeks.

See also: away

pull the plug (on something)

to stop something from continuing. The judge is threatening to pull the plug on TV coverage of the trial.

See also: pull