The Village Idiom

pull the other one, it's got bells on

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.

Filed under P

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.

Where it comes from and how it is used

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.

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.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.