0454 Pull the plug - English Idioms

Explanation

To abruptly stop or discontinue something, usually a project, initiative, funding, or piece of equipment.
Implies a final, decisive action to end something, often because it's failing, no longer viable, or unsustainable.
Can also refer to the sensitive act of discontinuing medical life support.

Origin

Has two likely origins that reinforce each other:

1. Pulling the drain plug: Like pulling the plug in a bathtub or sink, causing the water (representing the project/activity) to drain away completely.
2. Pulling the electrical plug: Disconnecting a machine from its power source, causing it to stop functioning immediately.

The term gained prominence in the 20th century, strongly associated with both stopping machinery/projects and the medical/ethical debates around ending life support.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Can it (Meaning stop it, get rid of it)
Nix it (Meaning cancel or forbid it)
Kill it (Often used in tech/business for stopping projects decisively)

More Formal:

Discontinue the initiative/project
Cease operations/development
Terminate funding/support
Decommission (For equipment or systems)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

Kill the fucking thing
Shut that shit down

Situational Appropriateness

Common in business, project management, and tech contexts. Can sound abrupt or even harsh.
Generally acceptable in informal and semi-formal settings.
Be mindful of the context due to the potential life-support connotation; use with sensitivity if that meaning could be inferred or relevant.

Misunderstanding Warnings

The primary confusion could arise from the dual meaning (project vs. life support). Context is usually sufficient, but awareness is important, especially in sensitive discussions. Non-native speakers should grasp the core idea of 'stopping completely'.

Examples

The investors got nervous and decided to pull the plug on the startup.
After poor test audience reactions, the studio pulled the plug on the movie's release.
If costs continue to spiral, we may have to pull the plug.
(Sensitive use): The family made the difficult decision to pull the plug.

Dialogue

Manager A: Any updates on the 'Innovate Next' software project?

Manager B: Bad news, I'm afraid. HQ reviewed the latest progress report and budget forecast.

Manager A: And?

Manager B: They decided to pull the plug. Effective immediately. They felt it wasn't delivering enough value for the investment.

Manager A: Wow. Okay. We'll need to manage the comms to the team carefully.

Response Patterns

Surprise/Disappointment: Oh no, really?, That's such a shame., I thought it had potential.
Agreement/Understanding: Yeah, it seemed inevitable., It was probably the right call., Given the circumstances, that makes sense.
Concern/Questions: What happens now?, What about the people involved?, Was all that effort wasted?

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After hearing someone pulled the plug on a project/initiative:

Asking for the reason: Why did they stop it?, What was the final straw?
Inquiring about consequences: What are the next steps?, What's the financial impact?, Where does the team go now?
Expressing opinions on the decision: That's a bold move., Maybe it was for the best.

Conversation Starter

No. Used to report or discuss a significant decision to stop something.

Intonation

Often spoken with a sense of finality, sometimes resignation or regret.
Emphasis usually on pull and plug.
They decided to PULL the PLUG.

Generation Differences

Widely understood across working generations.

Regional Variations

Common in American English, also widely understood and used in other English-speaking regions.

Move the goalposts

🎲 Red tape