pull the plug

• Etwas beenden oder stoppen, oft indem man die Unterstützung oder die Ressourcen entzieht; ursprünglich bezog es sich auf das Abschalten elektrischer Geräte.

To prevent something from continuing, often by withdrawing support or resources; originally referred to disconnecting electrical equipment.

1. Discontinue support or stop an activityB2informal

   To stop something from continuing, especially by withdrawing financial support or resources.

   Die Unterstützung einstellen

   • The investors decided to pull the plug on the failing project.
   • The network pulled the plug on the unpopular TV show after one season.
   • The government threatened to pull the plug on the funding if reforms were not made.

2. Remove life supportC1formal

   To disconnect a patient from life-support equipment, resulting in death.

   Die lebenserhaltenden Geräte abschalten

   • The family made the difficult decision to pull the plug after the doctors said there was no hope.
   • The hospital cannot pull the plug without the family's consent.
   • The legal battle was about whether to pull the plug on the comatose patient.