PhrasesHub

Pull the other one, it's got bells on

    Definitions

      • disbelief
        Express skepticism or disbelief in response to a statement or claim

      • mockery
        Mock someone by suggesting that what they are saying is absurd or unbelievable

    Examples of Pull the other one, it's got bells on

    • Alice claimed that rearranging the furniture in their tiny apartment would completely transform the space and make it feel more spacious. But when Bob saw the new layout, he rolled his eyes and said, "Pull the other one, it's got bells on."

      Alice's suggestion was so implausible and far-fetched that Bob thought it was a joke, and he was skeptical that it could actually work. The phrase "pull the other one" is a humorous way of saying "you're pulling my leg" or "you're kidding me." Adding "it's got bells on" is a figurative expression that implies Alice's proposal is so ridiculous that it seems to be overexaggerated or exaggerated beyond all reason, similar to how a puppeteer might attach bells to a puppet to make it more entertaining. In this case, Bob is implying that Alice's plan is so unbelievable that it's comical.

    • "That excuse is so flimsy, it's like saying 'pull the other one, it's got bells on'."

      This idiom is used to express that a claim or excuse is laughably false or implausible. Just as pulling a lever with bells attached to it would not result in a viable solution, the suggested excuse is equally unfeasible or absurd. The expression is often used to dismiss a weak or ridiculous argument and to indicate the speaker's skepticism or incredulity.

    • "Stop telling me outrageous lies! Your latest story is so far-fetched that I swear, 'Pull the other one, it's got bells on'!"

      This idiom is used figuratively to suggest that someone is telling an obvious lie. It originated in the late 1800s in the UK and is still popularly used in Australian, New Zealand, and South African English. The 'other one' refers to one's other hand, indicating that the listener has already been told a lie, and the second lie is even more ridiculous with the added image of bells (an amusing and exaggerated embellishment). This idiom is an example of a humorous, colloquial expression used in informal situations.

    • "I've had it up to here with your constant whining! If you don't stop complaining, 'Pull the other one, it's got bells on'!"

      This idiom is used when a person has reached their limit of tolerance and is indicating that the listener's complaints are nonsense. In this context, it is a declaration that the listener's next complaint is so ridiculous that it's like pulling something that has bells on it, which is pointless and impractical. This idiom is an example of a colorful, exaggerated statement used in informal situations, particularly in colloquial Australian, New Zealand, and British English.

    • "Listen, if you want to keep your job, you better start working harder. 'Pull the other one, it's got bells on' if you think I'm going to accept mediocrity!"

      This idiom is used when communicating expectations about performance or quality, particularly in a professional context. It emphasizes the seriousness of the situation and highlights the listener's lack of commitment or effort as implausible, much like the notion of pulling something that has bells on it, which is impractical and inconceivable. The idiom is an example of a figurative expression used in informal or formal situations, particularly in British, Australian, and New Zealand English.

    • "I can't believe you just said that! 'Pull the other one, it's got bells on' if you think I'm going to believe you!"

      This idiom is used in response to an unexpected or unbelievable claim, challenging the statement's credibility. It highlights how ridiculous or improbable the claim is, using the quirky image of pulling something that has bells on it, which is absurd and highly unrealistic. The idiom is an example of a humorous expression used in informal situations, particularly in British, Australian, and New Zealand English.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "pull the other one, it's got bells on" is used to express disbelief or skepticism towards a statement or claim. It is also used to mock someone by implying that what they are saying is ridiculous. The intention is to dismiss the credibility of the statement or to make fun of the person saying it.

    The idiom is commonly used in informal or humorous contexts, and it can be a lighthearted way to express doubt or disbelief. It is often used in a playful or sarcastic manner to convey the speaker's lack of belief in what has been said.

    Overall, the idiom is a colorful and vivid way to express skepticism or to mock something as unbelievable or absurd.

    Origin of "Pull the other one, it's got bells on"

    The origin of the idiom "pull the other one, it's got bells on" is unclear, but it is thought to have originated in British English. The addition of "it's got bells on" to the expression "pull the other one" serves to emphasize the incredulity or mockery. The use of bells is a humorous and exaggerated way to convey the absurdity of the situation or statement being referred to.

    The idiom may have originated as a playful way to challenge someone's honesty or to mock something as being too outlandish to be believed. Over time, it has become a well-known phrase used to express disbelief or to mock something as unbelievable. While the exact origins are uncertain, the idiom has become a colorful and expressive way to convey skepticism or incredulity.