noun An act of bluffing; a false expression of the strength of one’s position in order to intimidate or deceive; braggadocio.
That is only bluff, or That is only a bluff.
noun An attempt to represent oneself as holding a stronger hand than one actually does.
John’s bet was a bluff: he bet without even so much as a pair.
noun The card game poker.
noun One who bluffs; a bluffer.
noun Pretense, excuse.
verb To make a bluff; to give the impression that one’s hand is stronger than it is.
John bluffed by betting without even a pair.
verb To frighten, deter, or deceive with a false show of strength or confidence; to give a false impression of strength or temerity in order to intimidate or gain some advantage.
The government claims it will call an election if this bill does not pass. Is it truly ready to do so, or is it bluffing?