Phrasal verb
pull over
Meanings
To move a vehicle to the side of the road and stop.
(Of police) To signal a driver to stop at the side of the road.
Definition
To pull over means to move a vehicle to the side of the road and stop.
When you pull over, you steer your vehicle out of the flow of traffic and stop at the side of the road. People pull over to answer a phone call, check directions, or let an emergency vehicle pass. Police can also signal a driver to pull over for a traffic stop.
Examples
- I pulled over to check the map on my phone.
- Could you pull over when it’s safe so we can switch drivers?
- He pulled over because an ambulance was coming up fast behind him.
- The officer waved her flashlight and told her to pull over.
- They pulled over near the lookout to take photos of the mountains.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "pull up" when they mean stop at the side of the road; use "pull over" for moving to the roadside.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.