Meaning
To play a joke on someone, usually by telling them something untrue.
Cultural Background
In the UK, pulling someone's leg is often done with a very serious face (deadpan). If you don't realize they are joking, they might keep the joke going for a long time! Australians love 'taking the mickey' or pulling legs. It's a sign that they like you. If an Australian doesn't tease you, they might not feel comfortable with you yet. In the US, pulling someone's leg is common in families and among close friends. It's often followed quickly by 'I'm just kidding!' to ensure no one's feelings are hurt. In international business, be careful. Some cultures value directness and might find 'pulling a leg' confusing or even dishonest.
Watch the face
If someone is pulling your leg, they might have a tiny smile or a 'twinkle' in their eye. Look for these clues!
Don't overdo it
If you pull someone's leg too often, they will stop believing anything you say. Use it sparingly!
Meaning
To play a joke on someone, usually by telling them something untrue.
Watch the face
If someone is pulling your leg, they might have a tiny smile or a 'twinkle' in their eye. Look for these clues!
Don't overdo it
If you pull someone's leg too often, they will stop believing anything you say. Use it sparingly!
The Reveal
Always reveal the joke! If you don't say 'I'm pulling your leg,' the person might walk away believing a lie, which can cause problems later.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct possessive pronoun.
I told my sister that I ate all her chocolate, but I was just pulling ____ leg.
Since you are joking with your sister, it is 'her' leg you are pulling.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Select the natural-sounding sentence:
The standard idiom is 'pulling [possessive] leg'.
Match the response to the situation.
Your friend says: 'The teacher said we don't have any homework for the rest of the year!' You don't believe him. What do you say?
This is the standard response to an unbelievable claim that is likely a joke.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: 'I just won a million dollars!' B: 'No way! Really?' A: 'Haha, no. I'm just _______.'
This is the most common way to reveal a joke.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI told my sister that I ate all her chocolate, but I was just pulling ____ leg.
Since you are joking with your sister, it is 'her' leg you are pulling.
Select the natural-sounding sentence:
The standard idiom is 'pulling [possessive] leg'.
Your friend says: 'The teacher said we don't have any homework for the rest of the year!' You don't believe him. What do you say?
This is the standard response to an unbelievable claim that is likely a joke.
A: 'I just won a million dollars!' B: 'No way! Really?' A: 'Haha, no. I'm just _______.'
This is the most common way to reveal a joke.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, this idiom requires two people. You can't really joke with yourself in this way.
It is always 'pulling my leg'. Adding 'on' makes it sound like a physical action.
Generally, no. It's friendly. However, if the person is already upset, a joke might make them feel worse.
There is no idiom for 'pulling both legs'. Stick to the singular 'leg'!
Yes, in casual conversation with coworkers. Avoid it in formal presentations or with very strict bosses.
Technically yes, but 'lying' sounds bad and malicious. 'Pulling a leg' sounds fun and harmless.
No. If you lie about something serious (like a car accident), you shouldn't use this phrase. It's only for small, funny lies.
Yes! It is understood and used in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The past tense is 'pulled'. Example: 'He pulled my leg yesterday.'
Only if they are annoying you by telling jokes/lies. If they are annoying you in other ways, use 'Stop bothering me.'
Related Phrases
just kidding
synonymI am joking.
have someone on
synonymTo deceive someone playfully.
take the mickey
similarTo tease or make fun of someone.
put one over on someone
similarTo successfully trick someone.
