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Region: UK | Usage example: Stop taking the mickey and help with the work.

Take the mickey

Meaning

Make fun of or tease someone.

Usage

Use when gently mocking friends.

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.

British rhyming slang possibly from 'take the Mickey Bliss'.

Common in British English since the mid-20th century.

Related Idioms

Take the biscuit

Be the most outrageous or surprising example of something.

Take one for the team

Make a sacrifice for the group's benefit.

Take the bull by the horns

Confront a problem directly.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.