pull off a feat

USAGE SUMMARY

"pull off a feat" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone accomplishes something that seems difficult or impressive, either literally or figuratively. Example: She managed to pull off a remarkable feat by completing the marathon in under four hours.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He heads into the Memorial with a chance to pull off a feat that has eluded him in his first 16 full seasons on tour.

The New York Times - Sports

They were rooting for an unlikely outcome — for California Chrome to pull off a feat that hadn't been achieved since 1978 — and the sigh was a necessary concession to reality, and to its tendency to be unremarkable.

The New Yorker

If he can pull off a feat as unlikely as winning the Republican nomination, beating Obama in November and going on to secure a second term, anything is possible.

The Guardian

If the incoming prime minister can persuade the military to enable him to improve relations with the United States, Afghanistan and India, he will pull off a feat none of his predecessors has managed.

The New York Times

They were rooting for an unlikely outcome for California Chrome to pull off a feat that hadn't been achieved since 1978 and the sigh was a necessary concession to reality, and to its tendency to be unremarkable.

The New Yorker

When Wilder landed at WSHU her bosses said they were familiar with her work at NPR and believed she would be able to pull off a feat many thought to be impractical.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

As the tide of history turns, she pulls off a feat of high-wire empathy.

The Guardian - Books

The US embassy says it believes the Italians pulled off a "feat".

The Guardian - Travel

Whatever the shortcomings of her performances, Ms. Portenko pulled off a feat that puts her in a select company.

The New York Times - Arts

Alice Oswald pulls off a feat in her seventh collection: she finds words for encounters with nature that ordinarily defy language.

The Guardian - Books

With the design firm Manhattan Loft Corporation, and the designer David Collins, who did the restaurant, Marriott has pulled off a feat of historical preservation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pull off a feat" when you want to emphasize the difficulty and impressiveness of an achievement, suggesting that it was unlikely or required exceptional skill.

Common error

While acceptable in many situations, "pull off a feat" can sometimes sound informal. In highly formal or academic writing, consider more neutral alternatives like "achieve a goal" or "accomplish a task" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pull off a feat" functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe the successful completion of a challenging or unlikely accomplishment. Ludwig AI highlights its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pull off a feat" is a useful phrase for describing the successful completion of something difficult or unexpected. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, remember that it leans towards the informal side and should be used judiciously in formal writing. Alternatives such as "accomplish a task" or "achieve a goal" can provide a more formal tone if needed. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accomplish a task

This alternative is more general and focuses on completing a task, without necessarily implying difficulty or impressiveness.

manage to succeed

This expresses success, but might lack the element of surprise or exceptional skill implied by the original phrase.

achieve a goal

This alternative centers on reaching a specific objective, which may or may not be challenging.

execute successfully

Focuses on the flawless execution of a plan or action, highlighting competence.

bring to fruition

Implies a longer process and successful culmination of efforts.

overcome adversity

This alternative emphasizes the challenges faced and the successful navigation of those difficulties.

attain a triumph

This alternative implies a grand success or a remarkable achievement.

deliver the goods

An informal phrase that suggests fulfilling expectations, especially under pressure.

notch a victory

This phrase suggests winning or achieving something notable, often in a competitive context.

realize an ambition

Implies fulfilling a long-held desire, focusing on the personal significance of the achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "pull off a feat" in a sentence?

You can use "pull off a feat" to describe someone successfully accomplishing something difficult or unexpected. For example, "The team managed to "pull off a feat" by winning the championship against all odds."

What are some alternatives to "pull off a feat"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "accomplish a task", "achieve a goal", or "manage to succeed" as alternatives to "pull off a feat".

Is "pull off a feat" formal or informal?

"Pull off a feat" is generally considered to be somewhat informal. While acceptable in many contexts, it might be better to use more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing.

What does "pull off a feat" mean?

"Pull off a feat" means to successfully achieve something difficult, remarkable, or unexpected. It implies a sense of accomplishment against the odds.