pull someone's leg

Definition

To tease someone; to lead someone on; to goad someone into overreacting. It usually implies teasing or goading by jokingly lying.

Etymology

The phrase from Scotland originally meant to make a fool of someone, often by cheating him. One theory is that it is derived from tripping someone by yanking or pulling his leg in order to make him stumble and look foolish.

Example Sentences

• "I hadn't pulled Mrs. Barstow's leg for any of that stuff, she had just handed it to me on a platter, and that wasn't my fault."
• "No, I'm just pulling your leg, it's crucifixion really."
• "I'm very glad to hear of his good fortune; but it's a deuced strange thing, for I saw him at the club last night and he never said a word of it. I'll pull his leg when I see him."

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