bluff1
n.
an attempt to deceive someone into believing that one can or will do something.
v.
try to deceive someone as to one's abilities or intentions.
Phrase
- call someone's bluff
- challenge someone to carry out a stated intention, in the expectation of being able to expose it as a pretence.
- (in poker or brag) make an opponent show their hand in order to reveal that its value is weaker than their heavy betting suggests.
Derivative
Etymology
C17 (in the sense ‘blindfold, hoodwink’): from Du. bluffen ‘brag’, or bluf ‘bragging’.
bluff2
adj.
good-naturedly frank and direct.
Derivative
- bluffly adv.
- bluffness n.
Etymology
C18 (in the sense ‘surly’): figurative use of bluff3.
bluff3
n.
- a steep cliff, bank, or promontory.
- Canadian a grove or clump of trees.
adj.
(of a cliff or a ship's bows) having a vertical or steep broad front.
Etymology
C17 (in naut. use): of unknown origin.
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