Meaning: This idiom is used to describe teasing, joking, or playing a lighthearted prank on someone by saying something that is not true or exaggerating a situation in a humorous manner. It implies deliberately misleading someone in a playful or good-natured way, often for amusement or entertainment.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “I told him we were going to get free concert tickets, but I was just pulling his leg.”
- “She said she won the lottery, but we knew she was just pulling our legs.”
- “Don’t believe everything he says; he loves to pull people’s legs with his tall tales.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “pull someone’s leg” is uncertain, but it likely originated from the literal act of tripping or physically pulling someone’s leg as a prank or joke. Over time, the phrase evolved into a metaphorical expression used to describe the act of teasing or joking with someone by saying something untrue or exaggerating a situation for humorous effect. It emphasizes the playful and light-hearted nature of the deception.
