Pulling your leg

Meaning

Joking or teasing playfully.

Usage

Used when the listener can tell someone is kidding.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Old prank involved tugging someone's leg to trip them lightly.

Victorian humor magazines described pulling legs as harmless fun.