English idiom

pull someone's leg

Register · Informal CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

To tease or joke with someone by telling them something untrue in fun.

Why this phrase?

The physical image is not meant literally; the fixed expression refers to playfully misleading or teasing someone.

Example

“Relax, I'm just pulling your leg about the parking ticket.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

let the cat out of the bag

To reveal a secret, usually by mistake.

spill the beans

To reveal a secret, often accidentally.

behind the scenes

happening privately or secretly, not in public view

come to light

to become known or be discovered, especially something hidden

give the game away

to accidentally reveal a secret or plan

butter someone up

to flatter someone in order to gain a favour

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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