take the Michael (out of someone or something)

To tease, mock, or ridicule (someone or something); to joke or kid around (about someone or something). A less common variant of "take the mickey (out of someone)," itself a variant of "take the piss (out of someone)." Primarily heard in UK, Ireland. If you are so serious-minded that you can't take the Michael out of yourself every once in a while, you're going to have a hard time enjoying most of life. It really hurt Steph's feelings to know that the group had been taking the Michael out of her that whole time. Brian was a bit of a troublesome student and tended to take the Michael whenever class began.