Pull Someone's Leg — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

To joke with someone by telling them something untrue.

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 irritate or provoke someone, not just tease playfully

"Take Someone for a Ride"

—

To deceive someone dishonestly, often for personal gain

"Pull Someone's Leg"

—

Joking with someone by telling them something untrue 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.

‹›

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!

‹›

Last updated:

April 20, 2026

Become an Insider

Get exclusive invitations to try our new English online courses FOR FREE.

Enjoy special discounts and unique offers for club members only!

Become an Insider

Tell us a bit about you to unlock more relevant content and insider perks.

Where do you want to improve your English?*

Helps us tailor content to you.

Select an option

Where are you based? (optional)

Select country

What's your native language? (optional)

Select language

First Name (optional)

I consent to theidiomdaily.com collecting and storing my data for the purpose of sending newsletters, updates, and promotional content. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time by using the link provided in the emails. By checking this box, I agree to the Privacy Policy.

You’re in! Welcome to
the Insider Club.

Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again.

Unsubscribe
anytime.

Trusted by

1.5M+

English learners &
teachers worldwide