we pulled it off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we pulled it off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a difficult task or challenge was successfully completed. Example: "Despite the tight deadline and numerous obstacles, we pulled it off and delivered the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"We pulled it off".

The New York Times

"We pulled it off and they stayed".

The New York Times

But we pulled it off without lasting disaster.

The New Yorker

The fact that we pulled it off three or four times a year was actually pretty amazing.

Princeton University

"When the end of the runway came in sight, we pulled it off the ground and prayed," one veteran recalled.

The New York Times - Books

"I'm surprised we pulled it off," said the government source, crediting the political will that came from both sides.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

How did we pull it off?

The New York Times - Travel

Can we pull it off?

The Guardian

"If we pull it off, it will be something like a really good country ballad," he said.

The New York Times

"I said people will be laughing at us unless we pull it off perfectly," Mr. Horelick recalled.

The New York Times

We're going to give it our best shot – there's a great warrior spirit and we certainly hope we pull it off on hostile territory.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we pulled it off" to express a sense of accomplishment, especially when highlighting the difficulty or unlikelihood of success. This phrase is more impactful when the context suggests overcoming obstacles or challenges.

Common error

While "we pulled it off" is widely understood, avoid using it in highly formal documents or presentations where a more professional tone is required. Instead, opt for alternatives like "we succeeded" or "we achieved our objective".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we pulled it off" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate the successful completion of a challenging task or achievement of a difficult goal. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we pulled it off" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic expression used to convey successful completion of a challenging task. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is correct and widely used in written English. While versatile, it's most suited for neutral to informal contexts, particularly in news and media or general conversation. For more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "we succeeded" or "we accomplished it". This phrase is a powerful way to communicate achievement and instill confidence in the face of adversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we succeeded

Replaces the idiomatic expression with a more direct statement of success.

we accomplished it

Focuses on the completion of a specific task or goal.

we achieved our objective

Highlights the attainment of a planned objective.

we managed to do it

Emphasizes the effort and management required to achieve the outcome.

we were successful

States the successful outcome in a more formal tone.

we nailed it

Offers a more informal and emphatic expression of success.

we brought it home

Idiomatic, suggesting successful completion of a task or project especially after a struggle.

we triumphed

Implies overcoming significant obstacles to achieve victory.

we conquered

Suggests overcoming a significant challenge or opponent.

we executed it flawlessly

Highlights the precision and perfection of the successful execution.

FAQs

How can I use "we pulled it off" in a sentence?

You can use "we pulled it off" to describe the successful completion of a difficult task. For example: "Despite all the setbacks, "we pulled it off" and launched the product on time."

What's a more formal alternative to "we pulled it off"?

For formal settings, consider using phrases like "we succeeded" or "we accomplished it". These alternatives maintain a professional tone while conveying the same meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "we pulled it off" in academic writing?

While understandable, "we pulled it off" might be too informal for academic papers. Opt for more precise and formal language such as "we achieved our objective".

What's the difference between "we pulled it off" and "we tried our best"?

"We tried our best" indicates effort, whereas "we pulled it off" indicates successful completion. You can use the first to show the work done and the second to talk about the results.