pull the other one, it’s got bells on: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘pull the other one, it's got bells on’ mean?
The idiom "pull the other one, it's got bells on" means that someone is being skeptical or doubtful of what another person is saying, implying that the person is not easily fooled or deceived.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "ring true" means that something seems genuine or believable.
The idiom "ring someone's bell" means to surprise or impress someone, often with a sudden or unexpected event or action. It can also refer to getting someone's attention or making them notice something. The expression is derived from the idea of a bell being rung to grab someone's attention or make a strong impact.
The idiom "ring one's bell" means to make someone understand or have a sudden realization about something. It often refers to a moment when a person is enlightened or has an "aha" moment.
The idiom "ring hollow" means that something sounds insincere or not genuine, lacking in substance or meaning.
The idiom "ring false" means that something seems insincere or not genuine. It refers to a feeling that a statement or situation is untrue or artificial.
The idiom "put one over" means to deceive or trick someone in a clever or sneaky way.
The idiom "pull the wool over someone's eyes" means to deceive or trick someone, usually by intentionally hiding the truth or misleading them in some way.
The idiom "pull the long bow" means to exaggerate or stretch the truth when telling a story or giving information.
The idiom "pull teeth" means a difficult or challenging task, often involving persuading or extracting information from someone who is uncooperative or reluctant.
Idiom Origin: Unreliable Assertion
The idiom "pull the other one, it's got bells on" is a curious phrase in British English that expresses skepticism or disbelief. It suggests that the person making the statement is trying to deceive or manipulate the listener. The addition of "it's got bells on" emphasizes the implausibility of the statement.
This idiom has several possible origins, one being the practice of attaching bells to a donkey or mule to indicate its presence. The sound of the bells would serve as a warning. Adding "bells on" to the phrase reinforces the idea that the statement being made is clearly false or exaggerated.
Another theory is that the phrase may have derived from the entertainment industry, particularly from jesters or court fools wearing jingling bells on their costumes. This aligns with the idea of someone making a statement that is meant to be amusing but not to be taken seriously. Adding "bells on" emphasizes the absurdity of what is being said.
"Pull the other one, it's got bells on" is a vivid idiom that conveys doubt or disbelief in a humorous manner. It is widely recognized and understood and is used in both spoken and written language to add a touch of colloquialism and character.
The idiom's effectiveness lies in its ability to convey skepticism without confrontation or criticism. It has a playful tone, allowing for a lighthearted expression of doubt. By invoking the image of bells, the idiom adds an element of exaggeration, underscoring the speaker's lack of trust in the statement.
Overall, "pull the other one, it's got bells on" is a unique and expressive idiom that continues to be used today. Its colorful language and humorous undertone make it a memorable phrase that adds flair and character to the English language. The origins may remain elusive, but the impact and usage of this idiom endure, allowing for skepticism and humor in everyday conversations.
The related idiom "pull the other leg" is used to express skepticism or disbelief and is considered synonymous with "pull the other one, it's got bells on." Both idioms convey the idea that the speaker is not being truthful or is trying to deceive the listener.
Similarly, the idiom "pull a fast one" is used to describe someone attempting to deceive or trick someone else. It is often used in situations where someone has successfully fooled or manipulated another person.
The idiom "pull someone's leg" is another way of expressing skepticism or disbelief towards what someone is saying. It suggests that the person making the statement is not being genuine and is trying to mislead or play a practical joke on the listener.
In contrast, the idiom "pull the wool over someone's eyes" refers to intentionally deceiving or misleading someone. It implies that the person being deceived is unsuspecting or gullible, allowing the deceiver to successfully manipulate or fool them.
Lastly, the idiom "believe one's ears" is used to express astonishment or disbelief towards what someone has heard. It suggests that what was heard is so surprising or unbelievable that it is difficult to accept as true.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "pull the other one, it's got bells on" can be used in a sentence:
- He claimed to have won the lottery, but I told him to pull the other one, it's got bells on.
- She said she saw a UFO last night, but I just laughed and said, "pull the other one, it's got bells on."
- When he told me he had a pet dinosaur, I couldn't help but say, "pull the other one, it's got bells on."
Analysis:
The idiom "pull the other one, it's got bells on" is a sarcastic expression used to convey disbelief or skepticism towards someone's claim or story. The phrase implies that the speaker finds the claim to be so outlandish or improbable that it is equivalent to tugging on one's leg and claiming that it has bells attached to it.
In each of the provided examples, the idiom is used to dismiss or mock someone's dubious statement. It serves as a sarcastic response to imply that the speaker does not believe or trust the claim being made.
More "Skepticism" idioms
