Idioms

jest with

jest with (one)

1. To tease or make fun of one in a playful manner. The kitchen was filled with the raucous sound of everyone jesting with one another over dinner. Jesting with my friends has always been my way of showing them affection.

2. To attempt to fool one in a mocking or condescending manner. Often used as a rhetorical question or statement by the person at the receiving end. A: "I'm afraid we will need another $10,000 to finish the project." B: "Are you jesting with me? What on earth happened to all the money we've already invested?" They must be jesting with us. Who do they think they're dealing with?

See also: jest

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

jest with someone

to joke with someone; to try to fool someone. Surely you are jesting with me. Don't jest with me!

See also: jest

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

See also:

References in classic literature

as to the king," said Monk, "fear nothing, my dear Monsieur d'Artagnan; the king will not jest with Monk, I assure you!"

View in context

"Zounds!" says he, "I was but in jest with the fellow.

View in context

It is good, in discourse and speech of conversation, to vary and intermingle speech of the present occasion, with arguments, tales with reasons, asking of questions, with telling of opinions, and jest with earnest: for it is a dull thing to tire, and, as we say now, to jade, any thing too far.

View in context

We'd jest with him about his pipe smoking and about his strong accent.

Search on for messmate Billy

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