[Vocabulary] pull one's weight

[michael147]

I'm a bit confused by the phrase "pull one's weight'. Could you guys tell me what does it mean?

Does it mean he did a job beyond his capabilities or he did just his share of work? Or it depends on the context?


What does it mean in this sentence?

Wow Ben you really pulled weight in that exam today.

 

[JMurray]

I'm a bit confused by the phrase "pull one's weight'. Could you guys tell me what does it mean?
Does it mean he did a job beyond his capabilities or he did just his share of work? Or it depends on the context?

What does it mean in this sentence?
Wow Ben you really pulled weight in that exam today.


To "pull one's weight" means to do one's share of the work, to do what is expected of one, especially in a group activity.
"Wow, Ben really pulled (his) weight in that exam today!"
This example, even with the changes I've suggested, isn't natural English unless the exam was a group activity that required Ben to do his part.

not a teacher

 

[michael147]

I'm a bit confused by the phrase "pull one's weight'. Could you guys tell me what does it mean?
Does it mean he did a job beyond his capabilities or he did just his share of work? Or it depends on the context?

What does it mean in this sentence?
Wow Ben you really pulled weight in that exam today.


To "pull one's weight" means to do one's share of the work, to do what is expected of one, especially in a group activity.
"Wow, Ben really pulled (his) weight in that exam today!"
This example, even with the changes I've suggested, isn't natural English unless the exam was a group activity that required Ben to do his part.

not a teacher

So it means both 'to do one's share of the work' and 'to do what is expected of one'? Because 'do one's share of the work' does not mean 'do what is expected of one', right?

 

[JMurray]

So it means both 'to do one's share of the work' and 'to do what is expected of one'? Because 'do one's share of the work' does not mean 'do what is expected of one', right?

Sorry if I confused you, michael. I'm saying that it doesn't necessarily only refer to doing one's share of physical work, but can have a more general application. If you are making, for example, the financial contribution that's expected of you to a group project of some sort, you can also be said to be "pulling your weight".

 

[michael147]

So it means both 'to do one's share of the work' and 'to do what is expected of one'? Because 'do one's share of the work' does not mean 'do what is expected of one', right?

Sorry if I confused you, michael. I'm saying that it doesn't necessarily only refer to doing one's share of physical work, but can have a more general application. If you are making, for example, the financial contribution that's expected of you to a group project of some sort, you can also be said to be "pulling your weight".

OIC. Thank you so much.