Jerk around

verb

To treat someone unfairly or dishonestly, especially by deceiving them or by being dishonest.

I don't want to get jerked around anymore, I deserve the truth.
Visual representation of "jerk around" - To treat someone unfairly or dishonestly, especially by deceiving them or by being dishonest

Often appears as...

  • don't jerk me around
  • got jerked around

Usage tips

Colloquial, Disapproving

Informal

verb

To waste someone's time by not making a decision or giving clear instructions.

They kept jerking us around, delaying the project.
Visual representation of "jerk around" - To waste someone's time by not making a decision or giving clear instructions

Often appears as...

  • stop jerking me around
  • jerking around with decisions

Usage tips

Colloquial, Disapproving

Informal

verb

To treat someone unfairly or dishonestly, especially by deceiving them or by being dishonest.

I don't want to get jerked around anymore, I deserve the truth.
Visual representation of "jerk around" - To treat someone unfairly or dishonestly, especially by deceiving them or by being dishonest

Often appears as...

  • don't jerk me around
  • got jerked around

Usage tips

Colloquial, Disapproving

Informal

verb

To waste someone's time by not making a decision or giving clear instructions.

They kept jerking us around, delaying the project.
Visual representation of "jerk around" - To waste someone's time by not making a decision or giving clear instructions

Often appears as...

  • stop jerking me around
  • jerking around with decisions

Usage tips

Colloquial, Disapproving

Informal

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "jerk around"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Unfair Treatment

Used when someone is manipulating you or not being honest with you.

Illustration for Unfair Treatment
I realized the salesperson was just jerking me around with false discounts.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Impact

Expresses frustration when someone has been treated deceitfully.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
After finding out the truth, she said, 'You've been jerking me around for too long.'
LampPro Tip 3/3

Demanding Honesty

Often used when confronting someone who has not been straightforward.

Illustration for Demanding Honesty
He confronted his friend, saying, 'Stop jerking me around and tell me what happened.'
LampPro Tip 1/3

Unfair Treatment

Used when someone is manipulating you or not being honest with you.

Illustration for Unfair Treatment
I realized the salesperson was just jerking me around with false discounts.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Impact

Expresses frustration when someone has been treated deceitfully.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
After finding out the truth, she said, 'You've been jerking me around for too long.'
LampPro Tip 3/3

Demanding Honesty

Often used when confronting someone who has not been straightforward.

Illustration for Demanding Honesty
He confronted his friend, saying, 'Stop jerking me around and tell me what happened.'
LampPro Tip 1/3

Unfair Treatment

Used when someone is manipulating you or not being honest with you.

Illustration for Unfair Treatment
I realized the salesperson was just jerking me around with false discounts.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Impact

Expresses frustration when someone has been treated deceitfully.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
After finding out the truth, she said, 'You've been jerking me around for too long.'
LampPro Tip 3/3

Demanding Honesty

Often used when confronting someone who has not been straightforward.

Illustration for Demanding Honesty
He confronted his friend, saying, 'Stop jerking me around and tell me what happened.'
Visual representation of the word "Jerk around"

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