Understanding the Idiomatic Expression: 'To Have Someone On'

In this episode of The English We Speak, hosts Fefey and Beth explore the common yet playful English idiom, "to have someone on." This phrase is a staple in conversational English, used frequently by fluent speakers to describe situations involving light-hearted deception or teasing.

Definition and Usage

At its core, the phrase "to have someone on" means to joke or tease someone by making them believe something that is not true. As the hosts emphasize, it is a "playful trick" rather than a malicious act. It is intended to be humorous, and the underlying intent is not to be mean, but rather to share a joke.

Real-Life Examples and Context

The podcast provides several scenarios to illustrate how this phrase is naturally integrated into daily conversation:

• The Lottery Scenario: Beth initiates the episode by pretending she won the lottery and moved into a mansion. After Fefey reacts with genuine surprise, Beth clarifies, "I'm just having you on," revealing it was merely a prank.
• The Royal Encounter: One listener shares an anecdote about a friend who claimed to have had "coffee and cake" with the King. The realization that the friend was "having me on" serves as a classic example of how the phrase describes a fabricated, unbelievable story.
• Office Pranks: Fefey recounts a time a colleague, Neil, told her they were given the day off. Upon realizing it was a joke, she remarks that Neil was "having me on," showing that the phrase is perfect for workplace banter.

Identifying the Response: "You're Having Me On!"

Beyond the act of telling the lie, the podcast highlights how the phrase is used as a reaction. When a listener hears something unbelievable—such as a son being picked for a national football team or a sister dating a famous actor—the spontaneous response is often, "You're having me on!" This confirms that the speaker finds the news so startling or improbable that they assume it must be a joke.

Related Expressions

To broaden the listener's vocabulary, the hosts introduce a similar, though slightly less common, expression: "pulling my leg." Much like "having someone on," this idiom is used in a "light-hearted way" to indicate that the information being shared is not to be taken seriously.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a final practical demonstration, where Beth jokingly tells Fefey she is flying to Australia in a few hours. Fefey’s immediate dismissal—"Oh, you're having me on!"—perfectly encapsulates the proper usage of the phrase. By understanding that this idiom is rooted in humor and social bonding, learners can confidently navigate informal English conversations without falling for the tricks of their friends.