pull a Houdini (idiom)
• To perform an unexpected act of misdirection, typically involving drama or suspense, in order to divert attention.
• Often used to describe suddenly disappearing, escaping from an undesirable situation, or seizing control of a narrative.
Etymology: From the stage name of Harry Houdini (1874–1926), the famed magician and escape artist, celebrated as the “master of misdirection.”
• To perform an unexpected act of misdirection, typically involving drama or suspense, in order to divert attention.
• Often used to describe suddenly disappearing, escaping from an undesirable situation, or seizing control of a narrative.
Etymology: From the stage name of Harry Houdini (1874–1926), the famed magician and escape artist, celebrated as the “master of misdirection.”
During the heated debate, the politician tried to pull a Houdini by steering the conversation toward his opponent’s record, effectively dodging the original question.
She is known to pull a Houdini at parties—one moment she’ll be in the middle of the dance floor, and the next she’s vanished without anyone noticing.
She is known to pull a Houdini at parties—one moment she’ll be in the middle of the dance floor, and the next she’s vanished without anyone noticing.
by anonymous September 12, 2025
Get the pull a Houdinimug. To think something perfectly innocuous in your head, say it out loud, and than after saying it, realising that what you just said was actually really filthy and offensive.
by Yonathon January 10, 2008
Get the Pulling a Yonmug. by IDPS tower bomber December 24, 2024
Get the Pulling an Awaremug. “Sorry, I don’t think I’m gonna come today.
- Why?
“Pokemon.”
“What’s your boyfriend doing?”
- playing Halo.
“He’s pulling a Jack.”
- Why?
“Pokemon.”
“What’s your boyfriend doing?”
- playing Halo.
“He’s pulling a Jack.”
by johnny.dukes December 4, 2019
Get the Pulling a Jackmug. Pulling an Alex is a term used to refer to when someone references an obscure film or media to their friends that know nothing about it.
by Weerabbitz May 13, 2023
Get the Pulling An Alexmug. When you're so fuckin dumb, you tell everyone you run 10 miles a day, shove glocks up your ass, and give notes to the joes and not the leadership who should be receiving the notes.
by Dchambostacksrolls November 8, 2021
Get the Pulling a codymug. by My goat of all time January 1, 2024
Get the Pulling a Natemug.