pull off an upset — to achieve an unexpected victory against a stronger opponent or overcome difficult odds
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to achieve an unexpected victory against a stronger opponent or overcome difficult odds
Pronunciation (IPA): /pʊl ɔːf ən ʌpˈset/
Example Sentences
- Nobody expected the rookie to pull off an upset against the three-time world champion.
- My grandmother pulled off an upset by beating all the college students at the video game tournament.
- The startup managed to pull off an upset by winning the contract over established corporations.
pull off an upset
NOUN[/pʊl ɔːf ən ʌpˈset/]
to achieve an unexpected victory against a stronger opponent or overcome difficult odds
The underdog boxer manages to pull off an upset against the reigning champion.
Nobody would bet we'd pull off an upset, but that ball hit the net!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase combines two sporting terms that emerged in the 19th century. 'Pull off' derives from physical pulling motions, later extended to mean 'accomplish successfully.' 'Upset' originated in horse racing to describe an unexpected victory by an underdog horse, later generalized to any surprising competitive outcome.
Breakdown
pull off (achieve or accomplish something successfully) + upset (an unexpected or surprising victory, originally from horse racing terminology denoting a lower-ranked competitor defeating a favored one).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Nobody expected the rookie to pull off an upset against the three-time world champion.”
“My grandmother pulled off an upset by beating all the college students at the video game tournament.”
“The startup managed to pull off an upset by winning the contract over established corporations.”
“David really pulled off an upset when he got a date with the most popular girl in school.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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