bluff

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive or intransitive

   To pretend to be more confident, capable, or willing to act than is true, in order to deceive someone.

   Grammar: Can be used with an object (bluff someone) or without (just bluff).

   Patterns

   • bluff someone
   • bluff about something
   • bluff your way into/out of something

   He bluffed his way into the exclusive party by pretending to be a famous actor.

   She didn't know the answer, so she bluffed and hoped the teacher wouldn't call on her.

   The company bluffed about its profits to attract investors.

2. 2nouncountable or uncountable

   An attempt to deceive someone by pretending to be stronger or more confident than you really are.

   Grammar: Often used in the phrase 'call someone's bluff'.

   Patterns

   • call someone's bluff
   • a bluff

   His threat to quit was just a bluff.

   She called his bluff and he admitted he was lying.

3. 3nouncountable

   A steep cliff or bank, especially along a river or coast.

   Grammar: Often used in place names.

   Patterns

   • on a bluff
   • a high bluff

   The house sits on a bluff overlooking the ocean.

   We climbed the bluff to get a better view.

Word forms

Common combinations

call someone's bluff

When he threatened to sue, she called his bluff.

bluff your way into

He bluffed his way into the meeting by acting like a manager.

a bluff

Don't believe his story; it's just a bluff.

on a bluff

The lighthouse stands on a bluff above the bay.

Synonyms and how they differ

deceive

Deceive is a general word for making someone believe something false; bluff is more specific to pretending to be in a stronger position.

pretend

Pretend means to act as if something is true; bluff often involves a challenge or risk.

Word family

bluffer noun

A person who bluffs.

Commonly confused: bluff or bluff (noun: cliff)?

Practice

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