bluffed out
Won through deception
To be bluffed out is to be driven from a competition—especially a poker hand—by an opponent's deception rather than their superior position.
The bluffer bets aggressively with a weak hand, and the victim folds despite holding cards that might have won: I had two pair but got bluffed out when he went all in.
The phrase extends to any situation where someone retreats because they've been convinced—falsely—that they can't win.
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- pokerHearth implement for coals
- poker faceIntentionally expressionless look
- posturingInsincere behavior for effect
- power playStrategic leverage attempt
negotiation · mind games · scare tactics · deception · misdirection · overconfidence · calculated risk · feint · intimidation · fold · counterplay · dominance · social pressure · risk-taking · face-saving · saved face · persuasion · trickery