Pull away
verb
To move away from something or someone, often while still facing them.
John started to pull away from the crowd to get some air.
Often appears as...
- the car started to pull away
- pull away from the curb
verb
To gain an advantage or lead in a competition.
By the third round, the champion began to pull away from her opponent.
Often appears as...
- pull away in the third round
- pull away in the race
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To remove something by force.
He had to pull away the weeds to plant the seeds.
Often appears as...
- pull away the weeds
- pull away the curtain
verb
To reduce or distance yourself emotionally or socially from someone or something.
He began to pull away from his friends after the incident.
Often appears as...
- pull away from friends
- pull away from relationship
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To move away from something or someone, often while still facing them.
John started to pull away from the crowd to get some air.
Often appears as...
- the car started to pull away
- pull away from the curb
verb
To gain an advantage or lead in a competition.
By the third round, the champion began to pull away from her opponent.
Often appears as...
- pull away in the third round
- pull away in the race
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To remove something by force.
He had to pull away the weeds to plant the seeds.
Often appears as...
- pull away the weeds
- pull away the curtain
verb
To reduce or distance yourself emotionally or socially from someone or something.
He began to pull away from his friends after the incident.
Often appears as...
- pull away from friends
- pull away from relationship
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Physical Movement
Often implies gradually moving away without abruptness.
The boat slowly started to pull away from the harbor.
Pro Tip 2/2Maintaining Direction
Generally used when someone is moving backwards or forwards without turning away.
She continued to pull away from the starting line, eyes fixed on the road ahead.
Pro Tip 1/2Physical Movement
Often implies gradually moving away without abruptness.
The boat slowly started to pull away from the harbor.
Pro Tip 2/2Maintaining Direction
Generally used when someone is moving backwards or forwards without turning away.
She continued to pull away from the starting line, eyes fixed on the road ahead.
Pro Tip 1/2Physical Movement
Often implies gradually moving away without abruptness.
The boat slowly started to pull away from the harbor.
Pro Tip 2/2Maintaining Direction
Generally used when someone is moving backwards or forwards without turning away.
She continued to pull away from the starting line, eyes fixed on the road ahead.
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