pull a lever

1.
Worldwideneutralliteral
- To operate a lever or handle in order to activate, control, or adjust a mechanical device.
2.
Worldwideneutraltechnical
- To trigger an action or cause an effect by operating a control or mechanism.
3.
United Statesinformal
- To cast a vote or select an option using a lever-style voting machine; more broadly, to make a decisive electoral choice.
4.
Worldwidecolloquial
- To take a decisive action that causes someone to be removed, harmed, or eliminated; used figuratively for initiating a serious or final action.

Examples: