To pull something off: to succeed in doing something difficult or
challenging
Example 1:
Taka: I just
took the official TOEFL test and it was so hard! I’m really tired.
Sarah: Really? Why did you take it
so early? You’ve only been in TOEFL class for a month.
Taka: Yes, but in order to get
accepted to the University of Oregon, I have to submit my score earlier than I
first thought. So, I had to take the TOEFL test now.
Sarah: Oh, I see. How do you think
you did?
Taka: Well, I’m not sure. I’ve
been studying pretty hard in class and I think I’ve really been improving. Even though the test was hard, I think that I pulled
it off and will get the score I need to go to university.
Sarah: Wow! That’s great! I wish
that I could pull something like that off. I’ve been in TOEFL class for three
months and I still don’t think I can get the score I need.
Taka: I’m sure you will soon. Just
study hard and be positive.
Sarah: Thanks for the advice!
Example 2:
Ken: So, we had a huge 30th
surprise birthday party for my sister last weekend. We had over 100 people in
the restaurant with decorations. On top of that, we had to keep it a secret so
that it would be a surprise for her. I really didn’t think we could pull it off.
Jackie: So how was it? Was she surprised?
Ken: Actually, I think
everything was great. She was really surprised and everybody had a great time. In the end, I really think we pulled the whole thing off!
Jackie: Well,
I’m glad it turned out to be a good party. What a nice thing to do for your
sister!
Ken:
Yes, we are really close and I wanted to do something special for her birthday.
Meaning:
To pull something off means to succeed in doing something that is initially
difficult or challenging. In the first example, Taka wasn’t ready to take the
TOEFL test and get the score he needed to go to university. However, in the
end, he pulled it off and got the score he needed. In the second example, Ken
planned a big surprise party for his sister with about 100 people attending. At
first, he didn’t think he could keep it a secret, but in the end, Ken pulled it off and had a successful surprise party.
