Bluff

Bluff (verb) refers to the act of deceiving someone by pretending to be more important, knowledgeable, or powerful than one really is. As a noun, it denotes a bold deception, often used in the context of games, negotiations, or personal interactions. It can imply a strategic tactic intending to provoke uncertainty or fear.

Bluff meaning with examples

• In a high-stakes poker game, she decided to bluff her opponents by pushing all her chips forward, even though she held a rather weak hand, hoping they would fold and she could take the pot without a showdown.
• He used a bluff to assert dominance in the meeting, making grand claims about his department’s performance. However, when questioned about the details, it became clear he had inflated the statistics to impress his superiors.
• During the negotiation process, the CEO attempted to bluff prospective buyers, threatening to pull the deal off the table at the last moment, only to reveal that he truly wanted to finalize the agreement despite the pressure.
• While hiking, we stumbled upon a steep bluff overlooking the valley. The sight was breathtaking, but the sheer drop created a thrilling mix of fear and exhilaration, reminding us of nature's power and beauty.