Pull Someone's Leg — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

To joke with someone by telling them something false.

When you pull someone's leg, you tease them with a false story or statement in a playful, harmless way.

It's used in casual, friendly situations where the joke is meant to be figured out eventually.

Use it when…

When you tell a friend something outrageous and then admit you were joking
When someone shares news that sounds too surprising to be true
When a person makes up a funny story to tease someone they know well

Don’t confuse with...

"Wind Someone Up"

—

To deliberately bother or provoke someone, not just tease playfully

"Take Someone for a Ride"

—

To trick someone dishonestly, often for personal gain

"Pull Someone's Leg"

—

Joking with someone by telling them something false in a playful way

Where you’ll hear it

You’ll hear the "Pull Someone's Leg" idiom in real life — at work, in relationships, or in the media.

Work & Business

Office Conversations

A coworker tells a colleague the boss bought everyone tickets to Paris — then admits he was pulling her leg.

Relationships & Social Life

Family

A sibling tells their brother they won the lottery, then laughs and admits they were pulling his leg.

Media & Everyday Life

Daily Situations

A friend claims she ran into a celebrity at the supermarket and her friends immediately ask if she's pulling their leg.

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Use it like this

Here’s how to use "Pull Someone's Leg" idiom naturally in real conversations, with real examples.

Work & Business

Talking to Colleague

You

I heard the whole office is getting a week off next month.

Colleague

Are you pulling my leg — that sounds too good to be true.

Relationships

Talking to Friend

Friend

I got a call from a Hollywood producer today about my script.

You

Stop pulling my leg — seriously though, what actually happened?

Everyday Conversations

Casual Chats

You

I'm just pulling your leg — your presentation was actually great.

Friend

You scared me — I thought you were being serious!

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Last updated:

October 4, 2026

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