The idiom to jerk (someone) around is an example of an expression that originates in the physical world and then becomes used in a symbolic or figurative way. To jerk a person around literally means to push, pull, and be rough and aggressive with a person. As an idiom it means to cause trouble for or make problems for, annoy or irritate someone.
Example 1: John always believed that the boss enjoyed jerking him around and making his life miserable.
Example 2: "Don't jerk me around," he said, "just tell me the truth!"
Example 3: If you jerk him around about this deal, he'll decide not to go through with it.
Example 4: I think that he was just jerking me around and had no intention of paying me the money he owed me.