E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Pull.
A long pull, a strong pull, and a pull all together—i.e. a steady, energetic, and systematic co-operation. The reference may be either to a boat, where all the oarsmen pull together with a long and strong pull at the oars; or it may be to the act of hauling with a rope, when a simultaneous strong pull is indispensable.
