Why is it pull a leg?

The first theory says that thieves used to pull the legs of their victims to put them off guard, so that they could rob them. The second one refers to hangings that were held in Tyburn, England. It is said that people were hired to hang on the victim’s leg to give them a quick execution.

Where does the term pull come from?

“give motion to by the act of pulling,” c. 1200, drauen, spelling alteration of Old English dragan “to drag, to draw, protract” (class VI strong verb; past tense drog, past participle.

Where does the term yanking my chain come from?

It was a common practical joke to unlock the break and push the “honey wagon” down the track while someone was sitting on it. So, miners carried a length of chain to lay in front of one of the wheels to act as a brake in case someone decided to pull this prank. Hence the phrase, “Don’t yank my chain?”.

Where does the saying pull your own weight come from?

Thus, “pulling your own weight” came to mean doing your share of the work, rather than being a drag on your teammates. This expression was first seen in written use in 1921 in a British weekly.

What is the meaning of the phrase pull up your socks?

phrase [VERB inflects] If you tell someone to pull their socks up, you mean that they should start working or studying harder, because they have been lazy or careless. [British, informal] He needs to pull his socks up if he is to make a success of his career.

What is the meaning of the idiom pull yourself together?

to become calm and behave normally again after being angry or upset: Just pull yourself together. There’s no point crying about it. Self-control and moderation.

Where did pull out all the stops originate?

Use all the resources or force at one’s disposal, as in The police pulled out all the stops to find the thief. This term comes from organ-playing, where it means “bring into play every rank of pipes,” thereby creating the fullest possible sound. It has been used figuratively since about 1860.

Why do they yell pull?

Early Skeeters got in the habit of calling “Pull” for high house singles and “Mark” for low house singles to help avoid confusion for the pullers. Started calling for Skeet targets in this manner and continue to do so to this day.

What does jerk my chain mean?

jerk someone’s chain in British English or yank someone’s chain. informal. to tease, mislead, or harass someone.

What is the meaning of the idiom pull up your socks?

phrase [VERB inflects] If you tell someone to pull their socks up, you mean that they should start working or studying harder, because they have been lazy or careless. [British, informal]