The Vocab Man - Fluent Vocabulary

118 To Pull Someone's Leg (Idiom)

Dec 4, 2023

Sarah Ifeoma, an Italian reading expert, explains the meaning of the idiom 'To Pull Someone's Leg' - joking, teasing, or playing light-hearted tricks. The origin of this idiom is unclear, with theories suggesting it comes from the theatrical world or pickpocketing. Alternative phrases include 'to jest with someone' or 'to engage in light banter'. The podcast also discusses reducing credit card debt and highlights an interview with Sarah on My Fluent Podcast.

02:32

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Sarah Ifeoma

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Quick takeaways

'To pull someone's leg' is an idiom used to tease or joke playfully.

The origin of 'to pull someone's leg' is unclear, with theories linking it to theater and pickpocketing.

Deep dives

How structuring mortgages can reduce credit card debt

In today's economy, many families struggle with tight cash flow and high interest rates on their credit card debt. However, what people often overlook is that adjusting the structure of their mortgage can provide significant relief. By seeking a free analysis at Churchill Market, individuals can learn how to eliminate credit card interest rates and gain control over their budget. Lowering bills becomes possible, offering families a chance to improve their financial situation.

Reducing Credit Card Debt and Explaining the Idiom 'Pulling Someone's Leg'

2min

Understanding the idiom 'to pull someone's leg' and promoting My Fluent Podcast

2min

To Pull Someone's Leg explained.
I'm pulling your leg!

Head over to the interview with Sarah. 133 Reading in Italian until fluent - Sarah Ifeoma

Different meanings of "To Pull Someone's Leg":

To Tease or Joke Playfully:
- Example: "I was just pulling your leg when I said the boss was looking for you."
To Deceive or Mislead in a Light-Hearted Manner:
- Example: "Don't believe him; he's just pulling your leg about the surprise party."
To Engage in Friendly Banter or Prank:
- Example: "John loves pulling his sister's leg by pretending to be a ghost in the dark."
To Play a Light-Hearted Trick or Practical Joke:
- Example: "The kids pulled their teacher's leg by hiding all the chalk before class."

Alternative Phrases:

To Jest with Someone:
- Example: "I was jesting with you; there's no need to take it seriously."
To Tease Gently:
- Example: "She was just teasing, don't let it bother you."
To Engage in Light Banter:
- Example: "We were just engaging in some light banter; no harm meant."

Etymology Stories:The origin of "to pull someone's leg" is a bit unclear, but several theories exist:

Theatrical Origin:
- One theory suggests it originated in the theatrical world. In early theater, actors would literally trip or pull each other's legs to create comedic effects. Over time, this physical action evolved into a metaphor for playing a joke.
Pickpocketing Connection:
- Another theory links it to pickpocketing. Some say that thieves would trip their targets to distract them while stealing from their pockets, giving rise to the expression.
Old English Slang:
- There's also a belief that it's rooted in Old English slang where "pull" meant to trick or deceive. "Pulling someone's leg" could have been a figurative expression evolving from this linguistic background.
Nautical Origins:
- A less common theory ties it to nautical slang, where "leg" referred to a rope. Pulling someone's leg might have been akin to figuratively pulling a person with a rope, suggesting trickery.

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The Vocab Man - Fluent Vocabulary

118 To Pull Someone's Leg (Idiom)

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

How structuring mortgages can reduce credit card debt

The meaning of the phrase 'pulling someone's leg'

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