The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word LUGS
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
L
U
G
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Pulls" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case pulls = lugs.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does LUGS mean?
LUGS noun- The act of hauling or dragging.
- That which is hauled or dragged.
- Anything that moves slowly.
- A lug nut.
- A device for terminating an electrical conductor to facilitate the mechanical connection; to the conductor it may be crimped to form a cold weld, soldered or have pressure from a screw.
- A part of something which sticks out, used as a handle or support.
- A fool, a large man.
- An ear or ear lobe.
- A wood box used for transporting fruit or vegetables.
- A request for money, as for political purposes.
- A rod or pole.
- A measure of length equal to 16 1/2 feet.
- A lugsail.
- (harness) The leather loop or ear by which a shaft is held up.
- A loop (or protuberance) found on both arms of a hinge, featuring a hole for the axis of the hinge.
- A ridge or other protuberance on the surface of a body to increase traction or provide a hold for holding and moving it.
- A lugworm.
- (sometimes figurative) To haul or drag along (especially something heavy); to carry; to pull.
- To run at too slow a speed.
- To carry an excessive amount of sail for the conditions prevailing.
- To pull toward the inside rail ("lugging in") or the outside rail ("lugging out") during a race.