pull through

British  

verb

1. Also: pull round.  to survive or recover or cause to survive or recover, esp after a serious illness or crisis

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noun

1. a weighted cord with a piece of cloth at the end used to clean the bore of a firearm

pull through Idioms  

1. Survive a difficult situation or illness, as in We've had to declare bankruptcy, but I'm sure we'll pull through. [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

Two-time Australia champion Sabalenka had her chances, notably leading the final set 3-0, but the fifth seed retained her trademark cool to pull through.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

Ms Dennis added they initially thought the lawyer would pull through, but days later they were told by hospital staff there was "no hope" of survival.

From BBC • May 21, 2025

Our star dying is an event, the authors say, that even tardigrades are not going to pull through.

From Salon • Feb. 25, 2025

Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett struggled at times against the Chargers, but found a way to pull through in the fourth quarter of a 13-9 preseason win.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 18, 2024

It almost did a few times, but it always managed to pull through due to strict sharing of resources, strenuous discipline, and constant vigilance against any further attacks from the Capitol.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins