English idiom

call someone's bluff

Register · Neutral CEFR C1

Post

Figurative meaning

to challenge someone to prove that their threat or claim is real

Why this phrase?

From poker: demanding that a player reveal their cards.

Example

“The acquirer called our bluff and we had to show real numbers.”

Dictionary details

Component words

bluff

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

ballpark figure

a rough estimate, not an exact number

can of worms

a complicated problem that causes trouble the moment it is touched

domino effect

a chain reaction in which one event triggers a series of similar events

in broad daylight

openly and where people can clearly see it, especially during the daytime

in the nick of time

at the latest moment when success is still possible

leap of faith

an act of trusting or committing without evidence or guarantees

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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