1
                           general:: 
                            Phrase(s): pull someone or something under
1. Lit. to drag someone or something beneath the surface of something.  •  The strong undertow pulled John under the surface.  •  The whirlpool nearly pulled the boat under. 2. Fig. to cause someone or something to fail.  •  The heavy debt load pulled Don under. He went out of business.  •  The recession pulled his candy shop under.
                        
                        
 
                        
                            McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs