What happens in the video
Hana looks at three weeks of overtime and jokes that they should throw it out the window gently, and Theo asks if that means gently from the fourth floor. Then Hana says it clearly: "Theo, it's time to pull the plug on this." Theo misses the idiom and answers that he never found where the plug goes. Watch the Short to hear how the line sounds.
1 You need to call it off.
Tone Calm and casual
Use this to tell someone to cancel a plan or an event, such as a party, a meeting, or a trip. Don't use it for something that is already running, like a machine or a website.
You need to call it off.
For example:
A: The storm is coming on Saturday, and the picnic is still on.
B: You need to call it off. Nobody will come in that weather.
A: You're right. I'll send a message tonight.
2 Pull the plug.
Tone Firm, final decision
Use this when someone decides to stop a project for good, often after time or money has gone into it. Add "on" before the thing you stop: pull the plug on the app. It sounds final, so don't use it for a short break.
Pull the plug, dude.
For example:
A: Sales are still low after six months.
B: Then we should pull the plug on the new product line.
A: Agreed. Let's tell the team on Monday.
3 Shut it down.
Tone Strong, urgent order
Use this when stopping something must happen right now, such as a machine, a system, or an operation. It sounds like an order, so it can be too strong for a polite meeting.
Shut it down, doctor Selvig.
For example:
A: The server is sending the same email to every customer!
B: Shut it down. We'll find the problem after.
4 Let's put it on hold.
Tone Neutral, temporary pause
Use this when you want to stop for now and maybe start again later. It's the safe choice in a meeting when the decision isn't final yet.
For example:
A: We don't have the budget for the website redesign this quarter.
B: Let's put it on hold until January, then.
5 We're scrapping the project.
Tone Direct, a bit blunt
Use this to say a plan or project is completely canceled and the work will not be used. It's common in offices but sounds harder than "put it on hold."
For example:
A: What happened to the new logo?
B: We're scrapping the project. The client wants to keep the old one.
A: Oh no. All that work.
6 Let's call it a day.
Tone Friendly, relaxed
Use this to stop working for today, not to cancel a project. It's a good way to end a long work session with coworkers or friends.
For example:
A: It's almost eight, and I can't read these numbers anymore.
B: Let's call it a day. We can finish the report tomorrow.
7 It's time to cut our losses.
Tone Practical, a little sad
Use this when you decide to stop something that keeps costing time or money, so you don't lose more. It admits that the project failed, so say it with care.
For example:
A: We've fixed the old printer three times this year.
B: It's time to cut our losses and buy a new one.
8 I think we should drop it.
Tone Soft, informal
Use this to suggest stopping a plan, an idea, or even a topic of conversation. "I think" makes it a suggestion, not an order.
For example:
A: Should we keep trying to get the event sponsor?
B: I think we should drop it. They've said no twice.
A: Fair enough.
Common mistakes
-
Not quite
We decided to pull the plug of the project.Better We decided to pull the plug on the project.
The idiom uses "on" before the thing you stop. "Pull the plug of" is not a natural English pattern.
-
Not quite
The rain started, so they called off it.Better The rain started, so they called it off.
When the object is a pronoun like "it," put it between the verb and "off." The same rule applies to "shut it down," not "shut down it."
-
Not quite
Let's call it a day on the whole project.Better Let's pull the plug on the whole project.
"Call it a day" means stop working for today. To end a project for good, use "pull the plug" or "scrap it."
Quick quiz
Choose your answer for each question, then open the answer to check it.
-
Your team wants to pause a project and maybe restart it next year. Which line fits best?
- Pull the plug.
- Let's put it on hold.
- Shut it down.
- We're scrapping the project.
Show the answer (Question 1)
Answer: Let's put it on hold. "Put it on hold" means a temporary pause, while the other lines sound final or urgent.
-
What does "pull the plug on" a project mean?
- Start it again
- Stop it for good
- Make it faster
- Ask for more money
Show the answer (Question 2)
Answer: Stop it for good The idiom means a final decision to end something.
-
A machine is making smoke right now. What would someone shout?
- Let's call it a day.
- I think we should drop it.
- Shut it down!
Show the answer (Question 3)
Answer: Shut it down! "Shut it down" is a strong, urgent order to stop something that is running.
-
Your friend's wedding party can't happen because the venue closed. Which line fits?
- You need to call it off.
- Let's call it a day.
- Shut it down.
Show the answer (Question 4)
Answer: You need to call it off. "Call it off" is used to cancel a planned event.
-
Which sentence is correct?
- They called off it.
- They called it off.
- They called it of.
- They off called it.
Show the answer (Question 5)
Answer: They called it off. With the pronoun "it," the word order is "call it off."
Questions learners ask
What does "pull the plug" mean in English?
It means to stop a project, plan, or activity for good. The picture comes from pulling an electric plug out of the wall so a machine stops. People often add "on": the company pulled the plug on the app.
Is "pull the plug" formal or informal?
It's informal but very common, and you can use it at work. In a formal report, you might write "cancel" or "discontinue" instead. In a meeting or an email to coworkers, "pull the plug" is fine.
What is the difference between "call it off" and "pull the plug"?
"Call it off" usually means canceling a plan or event before it happens, like a meeting or a wedding. "Pull the plug" usually means stopping a project that is already running. Both are final decisions.
How do I say I want to stop a project only for now?
Say "Let's put it on hold." This tells people the project is paused, not canceled. Avoid "pull the plug" or "scrap" here, because they sound final.
Film lines are short quotes used for language teaching. The dialogue belongs to its rightsholders. Hana and Theo are animated characters made with Google Flow.
