Call somebody’s bluff
verb
To challenge someone to act on their threat or prove that their claim is true, when you believe it is not.
When my colleague threatened to quit if he didn't get a raise, I decided to call his bluff.
Often appears as...
- call one's bluff
- calling your bluff
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To challenge someone to act on their threat or prove that their claim is true, when you believe it is not.
When my colleague threatened to quit if he didn't get a raise, I decided to call his bluff.
Often appears as...
- call one's bluff
- calling your bluff
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Poker Origin
The phrase originates from the game of poker, where bluffing is a key strategy.
He claimed he would move abroad, but I called his bluff and he admitted he wasn't serious.
Pro Tip 2/3Skepticism Required
Use this phrase when you're skeptical about someone's claims and want to challenge them.
She said she could eat 50 hot dogs, so I called her bluff to see if she could really do it.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Serious
Sometimes 'call someone's bluff' is used humorously, rather than confronting a serious threat.
Jake joked about shaving his head, so we called his bluff and handed him the clippers.
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