pull off a miracle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pull off a miracle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone accomplishing something that is extremely difficult or even seemingly impossible. For example: "I can't believe our team was able to pull off a miracle and win the championship!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Madrid had five minutes left to pull off a miracle.

The Guardian - Sport

Spieth struggled and wound up needing to pull off a miracle with his final two chips.

The New York Times - Sports

If he could somehow pull off a miracle and make it to the medal stand, there might be no end of controversy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Our forecast model also asserts that there is a small chance — about 3 percent — that Newt Gingrich could pull off a miracle victory in Iowa.

The New York Times

If the 4-5-1 Packers can't pull off a miracle run to get into the playoffs, McCarthy's days are probably numbered.

The Washington Post

Ireland came up short in their bid to pull off a miracle in Malahide as they were beaten by five wickets in an enthralling inaugural Test with Pakistan.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Option 2: Ken pulls off a miracle.

The Guardian - Opinion

Last night Hendo pulled off a miracle win.

Independent

"If the crisis ends up well, the E.C.B. will have pulled off a miracle.

The New York Times

Last year, they pulled off a miracle to turn a disappointing season into an unlikely finals berth.

The Guardian - Sport

Villatora said "Tony pulled off a miracle" in the 2010 election, which resulted in a hung parliament.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pull off a miracle" when you want to emphasize the unexpected and almost unbelievable nature of an achievement, particularly in situations where failure seemed highly probable.

Common error

Avoid using "pull off a miracle" for ordinary achievements or tasks that simply require hard work. A true miracle implies an element of improbability or divine intervention beyond normal capabilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pull off a miracle" functions as a verb phrase expressing the successful accomplishment of something seemingly impossible. As Ludwig AI explains, this refers to overcoming highly improbable odds.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

25%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pull off a miracle" is a common and correct idiom used to describe achieving something seemingly impossible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, though it may lean towards a neutral register. Predominantly found in news and sports reporting, as evidenced by the many examples in Ludwig, it emphasizes the unexpected and extraordinary nature of success against the odds. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "achieve the impossible" or "defy all odds". Remember, it's best used when the achievement truly seems improbable, not just difficult.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieve the impossible

Focuses on the impossibility of the achievement.

defy all odds

Highlights overcoming significant obstacles or probabilities.

accomplish the extraordinary

Emphasizes the exceptional nature of the achievement.

make a dream come true

Implies the fulfillment of a long-held aspiration against the odds.

turn the tide

Suggests a reversal of fortune or a change in momentum.

snatch victory from the jaws of defeat

Highlights a last-minute win after appearing to be losing.

overcome adversity

Focuses on the challenges faced and the successful navigation of them.

break the mold

Suggests deviating from the norm and achieving something unprecedented.

rise above expectations

Emphasizes exceeding anticipated performance levels.

change the game

Implies a significant and transformative impact on a particular field.

FAQs

What does it mean to "pull off a miracle"?

To "pull off a miracle" means to succeed in doing something that seemed almost impossible. It often involves overcoming significant obstacles or defying expectations.

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

You can use it to describe an unexpected success: "The team managed to "pull off a miracle" and win the championship despite being down by 20 points."

What's a less cliché way to say "pull off a miracle"?

Consider using alternatives like "achieve the impossible", "defy all odds", or "accomplish the extraordinary" for a fresh take.

Is it appropriate to use "pull off a miracle" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "pull off a miracle" might be perceived as informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "achieve an unexpected success" or "overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles" in such situations.