pull through — to survive a serious illness, injury, or difficult situation
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to survive a serious illness, injury, or difficult situation
Pronunciation (IPA): /pʊl θruː/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother pulled through three surgeries and is now teaching salsa dancing at 85.
- The company pulled through the recession by selling their CEO's luxury car collection.
- With proper medical care and rest, most patients pull through completely.
pull through
VERB[/pʊl θruː/]
to survive a serious illness, injury, or difficult situation

After weeks in intensive care, grandpa managed to pull through and smiled again.

See through the storm, break through to pull through!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrasal verb emerged in Middle English during the 14th century, combining 'pull' (to draw or drag) and 'through' (across or beyond). The combination evolved to metaphorically represent overcoming difficult circumstances by persisting through them, as if pulling oneself across an obstacle.
Breakdown
pull (to draw or drag forcefully) + through (across, beyond, or to the end of something). The verb 'pull' comes from Old English and Germanic roots, while 'through' derives from Old English 'thurh' meaning passage or penetration.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother pulled through three surgeries and is now teaching salsa dancing at 85.”
“The company pulled through the recession by selling their CEO's luxury car collection.”
“With proper medical care and rest, most patients pull through completely.”
“His sense of humor helped him pull through the darkest moments of his life.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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