🤨 call someone's bluff

Concrete Meaning

To challenge someone who is making a threat or claim, forcing them to prove it because you believe they are lying or exaggerating.

💬 Context & Examples

Used in negotiations or arguments when you suspect the other person doesn't actually have the power, leverage, or resources they claim to have.

"He threatened to quit if he didn't get a raise, so the manager called his bluff and told him to pack his desk."
"I didn't think she actually had the evidence, but when I called her bluff, she produced the emails."

🧠 Pattern Challenge

Test Yourself

In poker, what does it mean to "bluff" and how do you "call" it?

Show Answer

To bluff is to bet aggressively as if you have a winning hand when you don't. "Calling" means matching their bet to force them to show their cards. Metaphorically, you are forcing someone to prove their empty threats.