pull the plug

pull the plug (on someone)

1. Lit. to turn off someone's life-support system in a hospital. (Based on pull the plug (on something) {2}. This results in the death of the person whose life support has been terminated.) They had to get a court order to pull the plug on their father. Fred signed a living will making it possible to pull the plug on him without a court order.

2. Fig. to put an end to someone's activities or plans. (Based on pull the plug (on something) {2}.) The mayor was doing a fine job until the treasurer pulled the plug on him. David pulled the plug on Fred, who was taking too long with the project.

See also: plug, pull

pull the plug (on something)

1. Lit. to terminate the functions of something by pulling a connector from a socket. While she was working at the computer, I accidentally pulled the plug. I pulled the plug on the vacuum because the switch was broken.

2. Fig. to reduce the power or effectiveness of something; to disable something. Jane pulled the plug on the whole project. The treasurer pulled the plug because there was no more money in the budget.

See also: plug, pull

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pull the plug

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

See also: plug, pull

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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: plug, pull