pull off a heist

USAGE SUMMARY

'pull off a heist' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a successful robbery. For example: The gang managed to pull off a heist in broad daylight.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He enlists her in a scheme to spy on a mobster through binoculars from the roof of a nightclub and to decipher by lip reading the plans he is making with his associates to pull off a heist.

The New York Times

The director was behind Lawless, The Road and The Proposition, and his next film focuses on a gang of criminals and corrupt cops who plan the murder of a police officer as a distraction in order to pull off a heist the other side of town.

Independent

To pull off a heist successfully, so I've heard, you need a combination of smarts, cunning, bravery and stealth, and Ms. Hovanec, who has been responsible for coordinating the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament for Will Shortz since 1993, has all of these qualities in abundance.

The New York Times

When his creator, Deon (Dev Patel), is kidnapped by a trio of criminal punks who need to pull off a heist, the four of them proceed to raise Chappie from a state of naive inexperience, teaching him how to walk and talk, how to cuddle with his 'Mommy' (played by the tiny but feral Yo-Landi Visser), and, finally, how to carjack and swagger like a ghetto tough.

BBC

Gillian Flynn and Steve McQueen are looking to pull off a heist together.

Los Angeles Times

Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The man with the briefcase, David N. Redden, an auction-house executive, was not pulling off a heist.

The New York Times

SPECIAL POST — If you ever need help pulling off a heist, Helene Hovanec is the woman to call.

The New York Times

The Zimbabwean model ReprintsThieves breaking into a video arcade in Saitama added a new twist to this increasingly popular way of pulling off a heist.

The Economist

In the morning, feeling as if we'd pulled off a heist, the four of us drove to a hotel and paid for a breakfast of ham and eggs with the change.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What's the point of pulling off a heist if you can't have a little fun?

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pull off a heist", ensure the context implies a degree of difficulty or ingenuity involved in the robbery. It's not just about robbing; it's about doing it successfully against the odds.

Common error

Avoid using "pull off a heist" for petty theft or simple shoplifting. The phrase suggests a complex, planned operation, not a crime of opportunity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pull off a heist" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of successfully executing a robbery, often one that is complex or challenging. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing planned criminal activities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pull off a heist" is a verb phrase used to describe the successful execution of a complex robbery. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, typically appearing in news and media contexts to add intrigue to narratives. While grammatically sound, it's best reserved for scenarios involving planning and skill, avoiding its use in cases of simple theft. Alternative phrases include "execute a robbery" or "carry out a raid", offering variations in emphasis. Remember to use the phrase appropriately to convey the intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring off a theft

Similar in meaning, but uses "bring off" instead of "pull off", which is less common in modern usage.

execute a robbery

Focuses more directly on the act of robbery, omitting the implication of difficulty or cleverness.

carry out a raid

Implies a sudden and often violent act of seizing something.

successfully rob

Emphasizes the success of the act of robbing, removing the nuance of planning or difficulty.

stage a robbery

Highlights the planning and setup involved in a robbery.

orchestrate a theft

Suggests a high level of planning and coordination in the act of stealing.

complete a burglary

Focuses on the act of breaking into and entering a building to commit a crime.

get away with larceny

Highlights the avoidance of consequences after committing theft.

achieve a break-in

Emphasizes the act of illegally entering a property.

undertake a swindle

Implies deceit and trickery to obtain money or property.

FAQs

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

You can use "pull off a heist" to describe a successful robbery, often one that is complex or difficult. For example, "The team managed to "pull off a heist" in broad daylight".

What's a good alternative to "pull off a heist"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "execute a robbery", "carry out a raid", or "successfully rob".

Is "pull off a heist" formal or informal?

"Pull off a heist" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, you might prefer "orchestrate a theft" or "execute a robbery".

What makes "pull off a heist" different from simply "robbing"?

"Pull off a heist" implies not only the act of robbing but also the successful execution of a complex or difficult plan. It suggests a degree of skill, planning, and overcoming obstacles that goes beyond a simple act of theft.