- To challenge someone who you believe is bluffing (pretending to be stronger, more determined, or hold an advantage they don't really have), forcing them either to prove their claim or to back down.
Explanation
Origin
- Comes directly from the card game Poker.
- Bluffing is betting heavily on a weak hand to scare opponents into folding (giving up).
- To call a bet means to match it, forcing all players still in the hand (including the potential bluffer) to reveal their cards (showdown).
- Metaphorically, it means challenging a threat, boast, or claim to see if the person has the intention or ability to follow through.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Put up or shut up (Demand action instead of just talk)
- Show your cards (Demand they reveal their position/intentions)
- Face someone down (Confront directly)
- Dare someone (Challenge them to do something)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Tell them to shit or get off the pot (Crude: demand decisive action or cessation)
Milder:
- Challenge their assertion
- Question their resolve
- Request proof
- Test their commitment
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Common in negotiations, conflicts, games, and strategic discussions.
- Use with awareness in formal settings, as it implies confrontation and skepticism.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Requires understanding the concept of bluffing. Explain the poker origin if helpful. It means challenging a *perceived* false claim or threat.
Examples
- He threatened to sue, but they called his bluff, and he never filed the lawsuit.
- She said she'd quit if she didn't get a raise. The company called her bluff, and she stayed.
- I didn't think he'd actually jump, so I called his bluff.
Dialogue
Employee A: Our competitor keeps hinting they'll launch a similar product before us.
Employee B: I think it's just talk to slow us down. Maybe we should call their bluff and announce our launch date publicly.
Employee A: That's bold. But it might force their hand or expose their lack of progress. Let's consider it.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Elon Musk threatened to pull advertising. Meta called his bluff. Let's see what happens next. #TechNews #BusinessStrategy
- Forum Post: My landlord keeps threatening eviction over minor things. Should I call his bluff? #TenantRights
- Comment: He always says he'll leave the band if we don't play his songs. Someone needs to call his bluff.
Response Patterns
- Inquiry about outcome: And what happened? / Did they back down? / Did it work?
- Admiration/Support: Good for you! / That took guts!
- Caution: Ooh, risky! What if they weren't bluffing?
- Agreement on strategy: Yeah, it was time someone called their bluff.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone calls a bluff:
- Discuss the result: So, did they follow through or back down?
- Analyze the situation: Why do you think they were bluffing?
- Consider future interactions: How will this affect your relationship?
Before deciding to call a bluff:
- Assess the risk: What are the consequences if they aren't bluffing?
- Discuss strategy: How should we phrase the challenge?
Conversation Starter
- No. Describes a specific action taken in response to a perceived bluff.
Intonation
- Stress on call and bluff.
- We decided to CALL his BLUFF.
- Often said with a sense of challenge or decisiveness.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood, particularly by those familiar with games, negotiation, or competitive situations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.