[Idiom] PULL SOMEONE’S LEG. - Exploring the Playful Side of Misleading Someone

joking or teasing

Imagine a friend tells you a story so unbelievable that it makes you question its truth. Later, with a mischievous smile, they reveal it was all a joke. That’s them 'pulling your leg', a playful way to deceive in jest without causing harm. The expression likely comes from the London streets, where thieves would literally pull at someone's leg to trip them up for robbing. Transformed over time into a light-hearted interaction, 'pulling someone’s bed' signifies a kind of fun where mocking or leading someone astray turns into a shared laugh.

Example Sentences

1. He loves to pull his brother's leg.

   He loves to joke around and tease his brother.

2. She pulled my leg about the surprise party.

   She joked with me about the surprise party.

3. They often pull each other's legs during family gatherings.

   They often joke and tease each other during family gatherings.