pull it off

Don't confuse this expression with "pulling something out", as in: When Emily realized she still had the tag on her new pair of jeans, she "pulled it out" immediately. ... or Johnny got a splinter; his mom "pulled it out" with a pair of tweezers.

Pulling it off is completely different. It means being able to do something that was quite difficult or challenging. When you are very busy and you don't think you'll have time to write the essay that's due tomorrow, but you managed to do it, you can say, "I pulled it off. I didn't think I'd have time to do it, but I did." Similarly, when you don't think you can give a speech because you get very nervous talking to an audience, but in the end you are able to do it, you can say, "I can't believe I pulled that off. I was so scared, I was shaking. But I pulled it off."

like this:

A: That was an excellent party. I can't believe you guys pulled that off at the last minute.
B: I can't believe it either. But John's boss just told him yesterday that he would be transferred to Hawaii.
A: So you guys got a hold of his friends right away. That was a good turnout!
B: Well, he's definitely popular. But it was difficult to get his favorite local band to come and play at the last minute.
A: I bet. So when is he leaving for Hawaii?
B: He's packing as we speak. He's leaving tomorrow evening.
A: Wow! You really had to have the party tonight. You guys are good!
B: I know. I still can't believe we pulled it off.

get a hold of someone - call, contact someone
turnout - the number of people who attend an event
I bet - I'm sure that's true. I would think so.
as we speak - right now (while we're speaking)


Alright. So now think of something that was difficult for you to do, but you were able to do it. Tell the story, then say "I'm so glad I pulled it off." or "I can't believe I pulled that off."

Don't forget to stop by the small guide site.

Good luck!
the small guide site