pulling and hauling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pulling and hauling" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that means doing hard physical work, making strenuous efforts, or being actively involved in something. For example, "The team had to do a lot of pulling and hauling to finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

If we opened that Pandora's box, all the pulling and hauling would start again and we would probably end up in the same spot.

The Guardian

I was expected to perform all the pulling and hauling; Phil gave directions and put the fun in my life and the children's.

The New Yorker

The poetry of W. S. Merwin offers an escape from what Whitman called "the pulling and hauling" of American life, a scrimshaw poetics of small bafflements shaded by the primal dark.

The New York Times - Books

And he goes on: "There ain't ever enough blanket to cover the case, no matter how much pulling and hauling, and somebody is always going to nigh catch pneumonia.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Our pussies have worked and slaved and pulled and hauled.

Huffington Post

They were pulled apart and hauled out of the ring.

The New York Times

"The good old truck pulls up and hauls our things in, and when we move they haul it out," said Gunnery Sgt. Lisa M. Wood.

The New York Times

He did much of the heavy work himself, clearing brush, pulling out fence posts and hauling away stones in a wheelbarrow.

The New York Times - Sports

"Muscles and breath burned," he writes of the volunteers who helped him, as they're "pulling and tugging, lifting and yanking, hauling and lugging" the cannons out of icy water.

The New York Times - Books

Chain, series of links, usually of metal, joined together to form a flexible connector for various purposes, such as holding, pulling, hoisting, hauling, conveying, and transmitting power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There was controversy when Dia was booked for diving after Neill had appeared to pull his shirt and haul him down in the penalty area.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pulling and hauling" when you want to emphasize strenuous physical effort or active involvement in a task. It's particularly effective when describing manual labor or situations requiring significant effort from multiple parties.

Common error

Avoid using "pulling and hauling" in purely metaphorical contexts where physical effort is not implied. Instead, opt for phrases that emphasize abstract efforts or negotiations, such as "negotiating" or "managing conflicting interests."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pulling and hauling" functions as a compound noun phrase, typically used as a gerund or a descriptive term to denote strenuous physical labor or significant effort. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pulling and hauling" describes a situation of significant physical exertion, hard work, or a demanding collaborative effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, with examples spanning from News & Media to Encyclopedias. While not overly formal, it effectively conveys a sense of intensity and active engagement. Consider context and desired tone when choosing between "pulling and hauling" and more formal alternatives such as "strenuous effort" or "arduous labor". Its idiomatic nature makes it more suitable for descriptive writing than highly formal academic or scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

laboring strenuously

Emphasizes hard work and effort, maintaining a slightly more formal tone.

arduous work

Implies difficulty and laboriousness in the work being done.

exerting oneself

Highlights the personal effort and energy expended, rather than the specific actions.

toiling away

Indicates continuous and often exhausting work over a period of time.

working tirelessly

Underscores the relentless and energetic nature of the work.

strenuous activity

Focuses on the effort without explicitly mentioning pulling or hauling.

striving and struggling

Suggests persistent effort against obstacles or resistance.

grinding away

Conveys a sense of monotonous and demanding work.

pushing and striving

Focuses on the effort of pushing forward, overcoming resistance.

doing heavy lifting

Highlights the burden of the tasks.

FAQs

What does the idiom "pulling and hauling" mean?

The idiom "pulling and hauling" generally refers to engaging in strenuous physical labor or being actively involved in a demanding task. It often implies a collective effort.

Is "pulling and hauling" a formal expression?

No, "pulling and hauling" is generally considered an informal expression. It's best suited for casual conversations or descriptive writing where a more relaxed tone is appropriate. Formal contexts may benefit from alternatives such as "strenuous effort" or "arduous labor".

What are some synonyms for "pulling and hauling"?

Synonyms for "pulling and hauling" include "laboring strenuously", "exerting oneself", or "arduous work". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

How can I use "pulling and hauling" in a sentence?

You might say, "The success of the project required a lot of "pulling and hauling" from every team member", indicating that everyone needed to work hard and contribute significantly.