yank around
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To be unfair to someone by tricking them or not being honest, often to get what you want.
Literal meaning: To pull someone around sharply in different directions — the image of jerking someone physically.
Meanings
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."
Grammar: separable
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."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
chain people customers employees feelings
Forms
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
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