call the bluff
Expose the lie
To call the bluff is to challenge someone you suspect is bluffing—demanding they prove a claim or follow through on a threat you doubt they'll act on.
From poker, where calling forces a player to reveal their hand.
He threatened to quit, so she called his bluff and accepted his resignation.
The phrase implies confidence that the other party is faking.
- challengeTest of ability
- poker faceIntentionally expressionless look
- pokerHearth implement for coals
- card gamePastime using a deck
- dareChallenge to act boldly
expose · confront · stare down · reveal · gamble · high stakes · bluster · raise · all in · stakes · double down · showdown · cards · nerve · test · put up or shut up · deceive · risk
- strategic expressionsultimatum, gambit, leverage, bargaining chip, counteroffer
- strategystrategy, grand strategy, tactics, tactic, tactical
call the bluffback down
Withdraw from a stance
fold · cave in · give in · chicken out · capitulate
call the blufffall for it
buy it · take the bait · accept at face value · play along · turn a blind eye
call, calls, called, calling, caller, callers, callback, bluff, bluffs