What does "Pull somebody's leg" mean?
"Pull somebody's leg" means joke or tease someone. To joke with someone or tease them by telling them something that is not true, usually in a playful and harmless way.
Where does the idiom "Pull somebody's leg" come from?
One theory links the phrase to 19th-century street criminals who would trip victims by pulling their legs. A more gentle theory connects it to the act of gently tugging someone's leg to get their attention, as a playful prank. The idiom appeared in print by the late 19th century.
Can you give an example of "Pull somebody's leg" in a sentence?
Here is an example: "You got the job? Are you pulling my leg?" — used when disbelief expressed humorously.
Is "Pull somebody's leg" formal or informal?
Informal. Use with friends and people you know well. Not appropriate in formal settings.
What CEFR level is "Pull somebody's leg"?
This idiom is typically taught at B1 level. It is a intermediate expression that appears in a wide range of spoken and written English contexts.
What are common mistakes with "Pull somebody's leg"?
The most common mistake is getting the articles wrong. Always use the fixed form of the idiom without changing the words. For example: Stop pulling my leg! — Use the possessive pronoun 'my'.
What idioms are similar to "Pull somebody's leg"?
Similar idioms include: Wind someone up (British English), Tease, Joke with someone. These share the same general meaning but may differ slightly in tone or context.
How do I practise idioms like "Pull somebody's leg"?
LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Flash Cards exercises are great for practising English idioms. Try to write your own example sentences using the idiom in context, and listen for it in films, podcasts, and conversations.
Can "Pull somebody's leg" be used in writing?
Yes, but it depends on the register. Informal. Use with friends and people you know well. Not appropriate in formal settings. Idioms generally work best in spoken English or informal writing; avoid them in formal academic or professional documents unless you are sure of your audience.
Does "Pull somebody's leg" have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, "Pull somebody's leg" is understood in both British and American English with the same meaning: joke or tease someone. Some idioms vary between dialects, but this one is widely recognised in all major varieties of English.