pull my leg

/pʊl maɪ lɛɡ/
phrase★Intermediate◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
To tease or joke with someone by telling them something obviously untrue.
Literal Meaning
To physically pull someone's leg, causing them to stumble or react.
Literal Breakdown
pullTo exert force on something to move it.+myPossessive pronoun referring to the speaker.+legThe lower limb of the body.
◇ Mental Image
The mental image of someone playfully tugging at another person's leg to make them react, metaphorically representing teasing or joking.
◈ When to Use
A friend tells you they saw a UFO last night. You respond, 'You're pulling my leg!' to indicate you don't believe them but are amused by the story.
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom is common in English-speaking cultures and is often used to lighten the mood or test someone's gullibility in a friendly way.
informal

To tease or joke with someone by telling them something that is obviously untrue, usually to see if they will believe it.

He told me he could fly, but I knew he was just pulling my leg.

She said she won the lottery, but I think she was just pulling my leg.

💡

This phrase is often used to test someone's gullibility or to lighten the mood.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

pull someone's chainidiom
To tease or annoy someone

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

This phrase is only used in playful or lighthearted situations. Using it in serious contexts could be offensive.

📖Word Origin

The exact origin is unclear, but it likely comes from the idea of physically pulling someone's leg to make them stumble or react, metaphorically applied to verbal teasing.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is informal and typically used in casual or friendly conversations. It implies that the speaker is aware the statement is untrue and is doing it playfully.

English Dictionary