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general::
Phrase(s): 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) Q. 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) W.) • 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., Phrase(s): 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.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs