pull some favors

USAGE SUMMARY

"pull some favors" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you are referring to asking someone to do you a favor or help you out in some way. Example: "I'm going to need to pull some favors if I want to get this project done on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Carlos, at the end of it, ended up having to pull some favors for the cartel.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

They rely on word of mouth and pull in favors from friends in the legal field.

The New Yorker

I might pull in favors to get sold-out designer gear, but I'm not going to melt down and swear at the manager if he doesn't move me up the waiting list.

The New York Times - Style

Our local councils pull in favors with minor celebrities from reality TV shows or aging pop acts, getting them to turn on the Christmas lights as we all stand around.

Vice

And red lines about corruption have been pushed back too, so people are not as easily able to pull strings and favors as they used to.

The New Yorker

Their parents hire coaches, pull favors from connected friends, and do everything in their power to turn their child into the next Jodie Foster or Dakota Fanning.

Huffington Post

Which means that producers and studio execs often end up voting for projects they are on and just trying to push forward, and writers sometimes pull favors with execs to get a mention.

Huffington Post

Here's everything you need to pull off memorable favors that your party guests will actually use.

Huffington Post

Our pilot is nervous because, before our flight, he tried to pull a favor from a general he knows in Juba, who he hoped would grant permission for her to land in Akobo.

Vice

Throughout government, politics and business, cash contributions are made, connections are used, strings are pulled and favors are requested and returned.

Huffington Post

So Sather risked an empty net to pull Dunham in favor of an extra attacker with the Rangers about to go on a four-minute power play.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pull some favors", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are requesting help based on existing relationships or obligations. It's generally used in situations where a direct request might not be sufficient.

Common error

Avoid using "pull some favors" without considering the implications of reciprocity. Ensure you're willing and able to return the favor in the future, as overusing this phrase can strain relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pull some favors" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of leveraging personal connections or relationships to obtain assistance or preferential treatment. Ludwig's examples illustrate this use in various contexts.

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 some favors" is an idiomatic phrase that means to ask for help from people you know, often implying a reliance on personal connections to get something done. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its common usage in News & Media. While generally informal, it's a useful expression to describe situations where direct requests aren't enough. Related phrases include "call in a favor" and "leverage connections". When using this phrase, be mindful of the reciprocal nature of favors to maintain positive relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pull strings

Refers to using influence behind the scenes.

call in a favor

Focuses on the act of requesting a specific favor owed to the speaker.

leverage connections

Highlights the act of using one's network to gain an advantage.

ask for assistance

A more general way of requesting help, without implying a prior obligation.

enlist help

Implies actively seeking support from others.

seek assistance

Similar to asking for assistance, but slightly more formal.

solicit support

Implies a formal request for backing or aid.

use influence

Highlights leveraging one's power to get something done.

get a leg up

Informal phrase referring to gaining an advantage.

exploit connections

Implies using connections in a potentially unethical way.

FAQs

What does it mean to "pull some favors"?

To "pull some favors" means to ask friends, colleagues, or acquaintances to do something for you, often something that requires special effort or influence. It implies a reliance on personal connections to achieve a desired outcome.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "pull some favors"?

It's appropriate to use "pull some favors" when you need assistance that goes beyond routine requests, and you have established relationships with people who are willing to help. It's often used in situations where normal channels are insufficient.

What are some alternatives to saying "pull some favors"?

You can use alternatives like "call in a favor", "leverage connections", or simply "ask for help" depending on the context.

Is "pull some favors" a formal or informal expression?

"Pull some favors" is generally considered an informal expression. It's best used in casual conversations or when writing to people you know well. In more formal settings, it's preferable to use phrases like "request assistance" or "seek support".