Example: Er versuchte, mir einen Bären aufzubinden, aber ich merkte es sofort.
Definition
"Jemandem einen Bären aufbinden" is a German idiomatic expression meaning to tell someone a lie or to deceive them, often by exaggerating or making up a story. For example, it describes when someone tries to trick another person by telling something untrue.
Translations
pull someone's leg
tomar el pelo
iemand op de mouw spelden
prendre el pèl
raconter des salades
Etymology
The phrase "jemandem einen Bären aufbinden" literally means 'to tie a bear on someone.' It is believed to have originated from the image of someone burdened with an impossible or heavy load, symbolizing a tall tale or false story. Did you know? This idiom humorously suggests that the story is as unbelievable as carrying a bear around.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Jemandem einen Bären aufbinden" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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pull someone's leg