Word
bluff
US/ˈbɫəf/
UK/blˈʌf/
Definitions
01to deceive or trick
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to try to trick someone by pretending you have a stronger position or more power than you actually have.
v. to deceive an opponent by a false show of confidence or strength, often to deter them from a specific action.
日本語:はったりをかける※
“He was bluffing when he said he had another job offer waiting for him.”
“The negotiator was clearly bluffing about the company's willingness to walk away from the deal, hoping to secure a lower price through intimidation.”
Antonyms
02a trick or false show
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. an attempt to trick someone into believing something that is not true.
n. an instance of pretending to be in a stronger position than one is in reality.
“The manager called his bluff and asked to see the evidence immediately.”
“When the opposition threatened to resign, the prime minister dismissed it as a desperate bluff intended to stall the upcoming vote.”
03direct and rough
C2 · Proficiency Literary
adj. having a very direct, honest, but slightly rough or unfriendly way of speaking.
adj. characterised by a direct, blunt, and hearty manner that may appear slightly rude or unrefined.
“The old captain had a bluff manner that hid his kind heart.”
“Despite his bluff exterior and lack of formal etiquette, the landlord was deeply respected by the villagers for his unwavering integrity.”
Real-World Examples
“If Sorsky was bluffing, he may have picked up the skill at the poker table.” “On Thursday, the education secretary, Lucy Powell, called the academics’ bluff.” Etymology
Probably from Dutch bluffen (“to brag”), from Middle Dutch bluffen (“to make something swell; to bluff”); or from the Dutch noun bluf (“bragging”). Related to German verblüffen (“to stump, perplex”).
Related to Middle Low German blaff (“smooth”).
Possibly onomatopoeic, perhaps related to blow and puff.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/bluff
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0