The show was 'yanked' off the air. [=the show was suddenly canceled; it was suddenly decided that the show would no longer be broadcast]
She gave the rope a 'yank'. [=she yanked the rope]
She 'yanked' on the dog's leash.
(..) That's quite obvious. You might just as well be flying a kite. Don't look like such an amateur. You're just not fishing. I am, but it's caught on something. Well, give it a yank. Pretend you caught a fish. Pull it out. Marvellous! - Here's what I want you to be. - I know. I'm a princess at a ball. (..)1957 Funny Face