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. "Pulling a Poe" refers to a person that is family or among best friends who fails to mention that they are in a deep relationship,have gotten serious, possibly are living together, engaged and/or married. The eventual revealing is more likely an accident than an intentional confession
by Woodrow the Vorlauf Master September 7, 2014
Get the Pulling a Poemug. by GucciGangish February 12, 2025
Get the pull out gamemug. by The President of Icecream July 4, 2011
Get the Pulling in the popemug. by FootballFan69420 January 10, 2021
Get the Pulling a Joshmug. When you have enough determination, will and sheer force to go against all odds despite them not being in your favor.
"Well, my odds of finding a shiny Rayquaza in Pokemon Emerald is 1/8192, time to pull an Abyzab."
or
"Well, my odds of finding a shiny Rayquaza in Pokemon Emerald is 1/8192, time to pull an Aby."
or
"Well, my odds of finding a shiny Rayquaza in Pokemon Emerald is 1/8192, time to pull an Aby."
by TheSableKnightEzekiel February 12, 2022
Get the Pull an Abyzabmug. Pulling a Tom Schmitz per definition is referring to a mental state, in which input is blocked from the brain.
That is, the person that is "Pulling a Tom Schmitz" does not react, nor reflect on the information that is being transmitted to him/her from the outside environment.
While some people claim it has to do with an abundance of grease within the persons ear canal, the non-reflective look in the individuals eyes hints on a higher level of soul selling that is being conducted in the very moment a "Tom Schmitz is pulled".
The mental state can last up to 18 minutes without interruption.
Careful: Waking a Tom Schmitz pulling person up can result in the confusion of this person, a sub-state that can take days to recover from. Tom Schmitz pulling persons need to revive from the 5th Dimension in a self-aware manner.
Common Slang in the Central European Area.
That is, the person that is "Pulling a Tom Schmitz" does not react, nor reflect on the information that is being transmitted to him/her from the outside environment.
While some people claim it has to do with an abundance of grease within the persons ear canal, the non-reflective look in the individuals eyes hints on a higher level of soul selling that is being conducted in the very moment a "Tom Schmitz is pulled".
The mental state can last up to 18 minutes without interruption.
Careful: Waking a Tom Schmitz pulling person up can result in the confusion of this person, a sub-state that can take days to recover from. Tom Schmitz pulling persons need to revive from the 5th Dimension in a self-aware manner.
Common Slang in the Central European Area.
Person A: "Hey what do you want to have for lunch?"
*No reaction*
Person A: "Man, can you answer?...HEY!!"
*No reaction*
Person pulling a Tom Schmitz: "O_0"
--> To pull a Tom Schmitz
*No reaction*
Person A: "Man, can you answer?...HEY!!"
*No reaction*
Person pulling a Tom Schmitz: "O_0"
--> To pull a Tom Schmitz
by tiffanyleckmisch June 8, 2018
Get the To pull a Tom Schmitzmug.