having someone on
Pulling their leg
To have someone on is to tease or deceive them playfully, making them believe something false for amusement: You're having me on—there's no way that's true.
The phrase implies the deception is temporary and good-natured, meant to be revealed.
Primarily British, though understood elsewhere.
- hoaxDeliberate deception for effect
- jokeHumorous statement seeking laughter
- just kiddingRetraction of a jest
- pulling your legJoking to fool someone
- bluffCalculated false front
prank · practical joke · manipulation · amusement · ruse · stringing along · confusion · pretense · trickery · con · leg-pull · taking the piss · wind-up · fabrication · spoof · mockery · camaraderie · tongue in cheek