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3. pull the plug on

pull the plug on

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pull the plug on

1. Discontinue, end, as in The government pulled the plug on that program. [First half of 1900s]

2. Remove all life-supporting equipment, as in The family debated whether it was time to pull the plug on him. [Second half of 1900s] Although this idiom undoubtedly alludes to cutting off electricity to an electrical device, it originally referred to the removal of a stopper that flushed an old-style toilet.

See also: on, plug, pull

pull the plug on

Slang

To stop supporting or bring to an end: pulled the plug on the new art courses.

See also: on, plug, pull