pull in
phrasal verb·4 senses·particle in
Meanings
(of a vehicle or train) arrive and stop
Why “in”? You reach a place and become present there. The train gets in, you check in, or the news comes in.
“The train pulled in at platform two.”
“The bus pulled in outside the library.”
Attract a large audience or amount of money
“The show pulls in millions.”
“The festival pulled in huge crowds.”
Drive to the side of the road and stop
“He pulled in for petrol.”
“We pulled in at the service station.”
(of police) take someone into custody for questioning
Why “in”? Walls close around something. What is in is held inside.
“He was pulled in for questioning.”
“Two suspects were pulled in by police.”
Don't confuse with
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“The train pulled in at platform two.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
pull down
A contrast learners often mix up
Demolish a building by force
pull over
A contrast learners often mix up
Draw a covering across the top; Move a vehicle to the side of the road and stop
pull up
A contrast learners often mix up
Stop a vehicle or come to a halt; Lift something upward by pulling; Stop and gently rebuke someone; Display data or a record on a screen; Improve a position or score quickly; Move a chair closer so you can sit; Pull plants out of the ground by the roots
ask in
Same in pattern: arrival
Invite someone to enter your home
barge in
Same in pattern: arrival
Enter a place rudely without permission
bask in
Same in pattern: inside
Take great pleasure in attention, success or warmth
be in
Same in pattern: inside
Be present at home or at work
box in
Same in pattern: inside
Surround tightly with little room
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