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Yank Someone's Chain

What Does "Yank Someone's Chain" Mean?

homeidiomsYank Someone's Chain
"Yank someone's chain" is an English idiom. It means "to tease or fool someone."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "yank someone's chain" used in a sentence:
  • Stop yanking my chain and tell me the truth.
  • He's just yanking your chain, he doesn't mean any harm.
  • I thought she was serious, but she was just yanking my chain.
meaning for yank someone's chain

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Yank Someone's Chain" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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