As you'll see in the video, you can also say "Pulling Someone's Chain" but that isn't used as much today, and is similar to Pulling Someone's Leg.
"You're pulling my leg", said with a bit of disbelief, is used more to show skepticism over something that was just told to you. Watch the clip at this link to see a scene from the classic movie, Willy Wonka, to see it used in context.
When people use the expression "Yanking Someone's Leg" it's usually when they think someone is trying to "get over on them" by tricking them and they are irritated by it.
Example:
Worker A) Hey Ronald, I hear the boss is looking for you.
Worker B) Really, why?
Worker A) I hear he's going to give you a big fat promotion.
Worker B) Quit yanking my chain, there's no way that's going to happen and it isn't funny.
Example:
Worker A) Hey Ronald, I hear the boss is looking for you.
Worker B) Really, why?
Worker A) I hear he's going to give you a big fat promotion.
Worker B) Quit yanking my chain, there's no way that's going to happen and it isn't funny.
Also, someone may shorten it to "What are you trying to pull... (then add) I wasn't born yesterday"... or, I didn't just fall off the turnip truck. Both expressions show more than simple skepticism to what they just heard.
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Joseph Teaches English |