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