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What does "pull the ripcord" mean?
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It's a parachuting phrase, obviously......and it's how you release the chute.......by pulling the ripcord.
In real life situations, it can mean, to bail out..........to pull the ripcord....to save yourself before whatever your attempting ends in disaster.
A 'ripcord' is the device used to release a parachute from it's pack during skydiving. In a general context, as Scott said, it means to save yourself by committing yourself to a certain action.
It means that you have a chance to save yourself or a situation, but don't have a lot of time.
I like Scott's answer better.