Call sb's bluff In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "call sb's bluff", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Jimmy Hung calendar 2022-01-12 01:01

Meaning of Call sb's bluff (redirected from call (one's) bluff )

Call (one's) bluff phrase

To make someone use facts, evidence, etc. to show that what they say is true or that they will do what they are threatening to do because you think their claim is false or they are just making empty threats.

 

He boasted that he could beat me in chess. However, when I called his bluff, he suddenly said he wanted to go the toilet and disappeared.

John said "I can jump higher than 2 meters!" "Come on, show me you can do it,bro" said Jack, calling his bluff.

Grammar and Usage of Call (one's) bluff

Verb Forms

  • called (one's) bluff
  • calling (one's) bluff

The verb "call" must be conjugated according to its tense.
 

Origin of Call (one's) bluff

The term comes from poker, where the players bet as to who has the best poker hand of them all. "To bluff" is to bet on a hand one does not believe is the best; "to call" means to match a bet, that is, bet an equivalent amount. When the cards are uncovered, whoever has the best hand wins the entire pot (all the money the players have put up). The term is American in origin and dates, like American poker, from the early 1800s. 

 

 

The Origin Cited: The free dictionary .
error

Report Error

Do you see anything wrong?

Share your idioms

If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.

Submit An Idiom

Make a Donation!

Help us update and complete more idioms

Donate

TODAY
sworn enemy

Used to refer to a person who is your enemy

 

Example:

He faced his sworn enemy. 
 

Join the Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates!

Darkmode