[Idiom] YANK CHAIN. - Discover Effective Communication Strategies

Tease or fool someone.

To "yank someone's chain" means to tease or fool them in a playful or manipulative manner. This idiom suggests the act of pulling on a chain as a way to mislead or provoke a reaction. It's often used in the context of light-hearted teasing but can also refer to more manipulative attempts to control or influence someone. Understanding this phrase is essential for recognizing when interactions are playful or potentially deceptive.

Example Sentences

1. Stop yanking my chain and tell me the truth.

   The person is urged to stop making false or misleading statements and be honest.

2. He's just yanking your chain; don't take it seriously.

   The warning suggests that the person is not serious and is just trying to provoke or tease, so it shouldn’t be taken seriously.

3. I realized he was yanking my chain when I heard everyone laughing.

   The laughter of others revealed that his statements were not serious and were meant to tease or trick.