an attempt to deceive someone into believing that one can or will do something, a steep cliff, bank, or promontory

call someone's bluff, on the bluff, bluff one's way

Formal and Informal Expressions of bluff

In different contexts, you can replace 'bluff' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'deception, feint, pretense' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'trick, fake-out' is a commonplace synonym.

bluff: Explore its Definition & Usage

bluff Definition

1an attempt to deceive someone into believing that one can or will do something
2a steep cliff, bank, or promontory

Using bluff: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "bluff" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He tried to call my bluff, but I was telling the truth.
Example
The ship sailed close to the bluff.
Example
She bluffed her way through the interview.

bluff Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for bluff

Antonyms for bluff

Phrases with bluff

call someone's bluff
to challenge someone to prove that what they are saying is true
Example
I didn't believe him, so I called his bluff and asked him to show me the evidence.
on the bluff
at or on the top of a steep cliff or bank
Example
The house was built on the bluff overlooking the ocean.
bluff one's way
to deceive someone by pretending to know or be able to do something that one does not actually know or cannot do
Example
He bluffed his way through the test by guessing the answers.

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Summary: bluff in Brief

The term 'bluff' [blʌf] has two main meanings. The first refers to an attempt to deceive someone, as in 'She bluffed her way through the interview.' The second meaning is a steep cliff or bank, as in 'The ship sailed close to the bluff.' Phrases like 'call someone's bluff' and 'bluff one's way' extend the concept of deception, while 'on the bluff' situates the term geographically.