A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

pull something to pieces • take something to
pieces
pull something to pieces —
1
. destroy or dismantle smth.:
While we were out, our dog pulled to pieces two of our sofa
cushions. 2. criticize smth. severely: I explained my theory
and he just pulled it to pieces.
take something to pieces —(of machinery, etc.) take smth. apart
so that it is in separate pieces: He took to pieces and reassem-
bled an entire engine.
pull the devil by the tail • twist the lion’s tail
pull the devil by the tail —be constantly in difficulties or
financial straits: He was tired of knocking about, of pulling
the devil by the tail…. Would he never get a good job?
twist the lion’s tail —provoke the resentment of the British
people (used with reference to foreign insults to Great Britain):
I took a silent vow never again to twist the lion’s tail editori-
ally.
pull the plug on someone • put a plug in for
someone
pull the plug on someone —
1
. remove life-supporting equip-
ment from a terminal patient: David’s prayers awoke his friend
from a coma several days before they were going to pull the
plug on him. 2. discontinue a person’s employment: Remem-
ber how many reporters complained and talked about Jayson
long before his editors finally decided to pull the plug on him?
put a plug in for someone —highly recommend a person; pro-
mote smb.’s interests: Let me put a plug in for the new leader,
the guy coming in to take my place. He is my longtime friend.
pull the plug on something • put a plug in for
something
pull the plug on something— stop working on smth.; put an
end to an activity: You should have a contingency fund to
cover unexpected costs that could force you to pull the plug
on the project.
put a plug in for something —highly recommend a product,
etc.; advertise or promote smth.: I want to put in a plug for
a wonderful little paperback entitled “Waves and Beaches.”