1 B2 idiomatic informal
To manipulate, deceive, or treat someone unfairly, often by wasting their time or misleading them.
"I'm tired of being yanked around by this company — they keep changing the deal."
separable
yank around
B2 informal separable transitive
To treat someone unfairly by misleading, manipulating, or wasting their time.
In plain English
To be unfair to someone by tricking them or not being honest, often to get what you want.
What does "yank around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To drag or pull someone along in different directions physically.
"The excited puppy yanked the child around the park on its leash."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To pull someone around sharply in different directions — the image of jerking someone physically.
Actually means
To be unfair to someone by tricking them or not being honest, often to get what you want.
Usage tip
Primarily American English slang. Implies that the subject is being manipulated or treated like a puppet on a string — the image of 'yanking' (pulling sharply) someone around. Often used in the passive voice. Slightly vulgar in some contexts.
Words that pair with "yank around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
chain people customers employees feelings
How to conjugate "yank around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
yank around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
yanks around
he/she/it
Past simple
yanked around
yesterday
Past participle
yanked around
have + pp
-ing form
yanking around
continuous
Hear "yank around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "yank around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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