A2Daily

Jemandem einen Bären aufbinden

To pull someone's leg, to tell someone a tall tale or lie

In German

Jemandem einen Bären aufbinden

YE-man-dem AY-nen BEH-ren owf-BIN-den

Literal Translation

To tie a bear to someone

Meaning

To pull someone's leg, to tell someone a tall tale or lie.

Equivalent:"To pull someone's leg; To tell a tall tale"

Origin:Likely from the medieval practice of travelling showmen leading bears on a rope, which was a strange and unusual sight. The idiom implies telling someone something equally unbelievable or absurd.

Example Sentences

1
Glaub ihm nicht, er will dir nur einen Bären aufbinden.
Don't believe him, he's just trying to pull your leg.
2
Sie hat mir erzählt, sie hätte ein Einhorn gesehen – das war doch nur ein Bären aufbinden!
She told me she saw a unicorn – that was just a tall tale!

FAQ

How do you say "To pull someone's leg, to tell someone a tall tale or lie" in German?

"To pull someone's leg, to tell someone a tall tale or lie" in German is "Jemandem einen Bären aufbinden" (YE-man-dem AY-nen BEH-ren owf-BIN-den). Example: Glaub ihm nicht, er will dir nur einen Bären aufbinden..

To know something like the back of one's hand, to know something very well

Etwas wie seine Westentasche kennen

ET-vas vee ZY-ne VES-ten-tah-she KEN-nen

Something is not ideal, not the best solution, not perfect

Etwas ist nicht das Gelbe vom Ei

ET-vas ist nisht dahs GEL-be fom AY

To lead someone astray, to trick or deceive someone, to put someone in a difficult situation

Jemanden aufs Glatteis führen

YE-man-dem owfs GLAHT-tys FY-ren

That's undeniable, there's no denying it, that's a fact

Da beißt die Maus keinen Faden ab

dah BYST dee MAUS KY-nen FAH-den ab