Can refer to a physical pull or a metaphorical one.
Con un tirona fuerte, logró levantar la caja del suelo y llevarla a la mesa.
With a strong pull, he managed to lift the box off the ground and put it on the table.
El niño hizo una tirona en la cuerda para intentar alcanzar el globo.
The boy gave a tug on the rope to try to reach the balloon.