Pull something/a rabbit out of the hat

verb

To produce something in a surprising or unexpected way, especially at the last moment.

The team was losing the match but the coach pulled a rabbit out of the hat by bringing on a new player who scored two goals.

Informal

Idiomatic

verb

The team was losing the match but the coach pulled a rabbit out of the hat by bringing on a new player who scored two goals.

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1

Pro Tip 1/3

This phrase often implies solving a problem in a surprising way that others did not anticipate.

When all seemed lost, Sarah managed to pull a rabbit out of the hat and secure funding for the project.

Pro Tip 2/3

It suggests that the action or solution comes in a crucial moment, often when time is running out.

With the deadline approaching, he pulled a rabbit out of the hat by finishing the report overnight.

Pro Tip 3/3

Remember, this is a metaphorical expression, not to be taken literally. No real hat or rabbit is involved.

The chef pulled a rabbit out of the hat with that incredible dessert made from just three ingredients.

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