Yank Someone's Chain Meaning

(idiomatic) To tease someone; to lead someone on; to goad someone into overreacting.

Example: 2006, James A. McKenna, Beyond Bluffs: Master the Mysteries of Poker, ISBN 0818407093, page 198:
  So, be careful what you are paying attention to. If it looks like someone is yanking your chain, he or she probably is.
2008, Tom Morrisey, In High Places, ISBN 1441208364, page 198:
  â€œFor the same reason you were yanking my chain about the double ropes,” I said. “You want to see if I'm going to be any help to you or a total idiot when it comes to this retail thing.”
2012, Alison Fraser, His Mistress's Secret, ISBN 1460831373:
  It was so easy to yank his chain, Tiree smirked to herself, as she dialled Les's London flat.
Used other than as an idiom: see yank,‎ chain.