yanking someone's chain
Kidding someone along
Yanking someone's chain is teasing or provoking them, usually to get a reaction: Relax, I'm just yanking your chain.
The image suggests a dog straining against a leash—the yanker enjoys watching the target get agitated.
The phrase implies the provocation is playful rather than malicious, though the target may not appreciate the distinction.
- prankPlayful trick on someone
- hoaxDeliberate deception for effect
- stringing alongProlonged romantic deception
- tauntInsulting provocation
- getting a riseProvoking an emotional response
ribbing · joshing · teasing · pulling your leg · jest · just kidding · tongue in cheek · bluff · razzing · taking the piss · joke · goad · winding up · baiting · trickery · charade · mock · irritate