A tiny query

[pensnest]

In American English, is the phrase "pulled out the plug" correct, or is there something more idiomatic?

Comments

[chrismm.livejournal.com]

*grins* Depends on the context. Are we talking unplugging an electrical device? Removing a sex toy? Euthanasia? Draining a bathtub?

[ninjetti75.livejournal.com]

The verb "plug" is correct, but yeah, we use it different ways. You could just as easily say "He pulled the (electrical device's) plug out (of the wall/socket)." as "He unplugged it (OR the [device])."

The latter is generally less formal (obviously), so is actually more likely to be used in a Popslash story or anything where you're trying to match the narrative voice to a casual character.

[msktrnanny.livejournal.com]

I've never heard a person actual say I pulled out the plug. Unplugged, just like the MTV show. ;-)

Pulling the plug would immediately get a 'Oh! I'm so sorry!' followed by hollow reassurances about how 'they're better off' now or 'with God'.