pull the line

USAGE SUMMARY

"pull the line" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to a physical rope or cord which needs to be pulled. For example, "I need your help to pull the line tight so we can attach these branches to the fence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

If you pull the line tight, it straightens, and the cord is distorted into a spiral around it.

The Economist

As soon as he is out of sight, Piotr exhales with relief, and starts to pull the line in.

The Guardian

One by one I take out our shirts and dresses, T-shirts and socks, shake out the wrinkles, attach them with clothespins, then pull the line over to pin the next one.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For one, Mr. Molinaro said, those railroads could furnish more powerful locomotives than the ones that now pull the line's two work trains.

The New York Times

Goldman pledged not to pull the line, now fully drawn, in bankruptcy.

Forbes

Pull the line up slowly.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

defer.add img); Stake down the tarp by driving a stake through each P-cord loop and into the ground making sure to pull the lines tight.

WikiHow

Shaking and pinning, smoothing and pulling the line.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He paused there a moment, pulled the line tighter by the strength of his eyes.

The Guardian - Books

Spotting the blue and white ice cream vending boat, Benny pulled the line out of the water.

The New York Times

Go for it!" This time, the kite held the wind, and Thompson sprinted back, pulling the line taut.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pull the line" in a fishing context, clarify the type of line (e.g., fishing line, bait line) for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "pull the line" when a gentle, controlled movement is needed. "Guide the line" or "ease the line" might be more appropriate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pull the line" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often acting as the predicate in a sentence. It describes a physical action of exerting force on a line, as seen in Ludwig's examples related to fishing and manipulating objects. The Ludwig AI confirms it is a usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

41%

News & Media

35%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pull the line" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase that mostly commonly refers to the physical act of pulling a line, and finds its use across various contexts like fishing, construction, or even abstract scenarios. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. The phrase is most common in Wiki and News & Media sources, but less common in more formal writing, authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian often employ this phrase when describing actions or providing instructions. Related phrases include "tug the rope" and "reel in the fishing line". When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the type of line and the intended force of the pull.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reel in the fishing line

Specifically refers to the action of reeling in a fishing line.

tug the rope

Replaces "line" with "rope", focusing on physical pulling.

yank the cord

Emphasizes a sudden, forceful pull.

draw the string

Suggests a controlled pulling action, particularly with strings.

haul the cable

Implies pulling something heavy or substantial.

tighten the wire

Focuses on making a wire taut.

extract the thread

Describes carefully removing a thread by pulling.

stretch the fiber

Highlights the act of elongating a fiber by pulling.

retrieve the leash

Focuses on the action of retrieving something with a leash.

tug at the tether

Implies a gentle or repeated pulling on a tether.

FAQs

What does "pull the line" mean in fishing?

In fishing, "pull the line" refers to the action of tugging or reeling in the fishing line, often to set the hook or bring in a fish.

What can I say instead of "pull the line"?

You can use alternatives like "tug the rope", "reel in the fishing line", or "draw the string" depending on the context.

Is "pull the line" formal or informal?

The phrase "pull the line" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more technical terms may be preferred in highly formal settings.

How to use "pull the line" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "Set your hook and begin to steadily pull the line up with control." You can replace "pull the line" with alternatives like "tug on the rope" or "draw in the string".