Definition of pull in

The origin of the phrase "pull in" can be traced back to the early 1900s, when it was used in the context of horse-drawn carriages. At that time, carriage drivers would "pull in" their horses to the side of the road to let other carriages or vehicles pass by. The phrase was applied to driving automobiles later, as it meant to guide the vehicle into a specific location, such as a gas station or a parking space. The term "pull in" can also be used more figuratively to mean consolidating resources or bringing in something beneficial, such as "pull in additional funding" or "pull in expert advice." The verb roots "pull" and "in" together indicate a sense of drawing something closer, whether it's a carriage, a car, or a resource.