call your bluff

USAGE SUMMARY

'call your bluff' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you challenge the truthfulness of what someone else has said. For example, "I don't believe you have the evidence to back up your claims - I'm going to call your bluff!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"Sooner or later, somebody is going to call your bluff".

The New York Times

But if not, and they call your bluff, you've got a Dr. Strangelove situation.

The New York Times

Even if they don't believe you, they won't call your bluff.

The New York Times - Books

By contrast, if people are leaning toward no, they are likely to call your bluff.

Harvard University

She used Twitter on Tuesday morning to hit back at Colao, writing: "Message to Vittorio + Vodafone: I call your bluff.

The Guardian - Tech

Neglect neck or dec and Father Time will one day call your bluff and morph you into a maze of fractured lines and planes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"If somebody calls your bluff, you lose.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm calling your bluff, old sport, old pip, old cock.

The New Yorker

If the enemy believes that you will not tolerate the deaths of, say, twenty million of your own citizens, then he has called your bluff.

The New Yorker

Money calls your bluff.

Huffington Post

You can only overplay your hand so many times before people start calling your bluff".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the idiom "call your bluff", ensure the context makes it clear that you are challenging someone's claim or threat, not simply making a general observation.

Common error

Avoid using "call your bluff" if you're not willing to accept the outcome if the person is indeed telling the truth or is serious about their threat. Be prepared for all possible scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "call your bluff" functions as an idiomatic expression used to challenge the validity of someone's statement, threat, or claim. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. It is often used in situations where the speaker suspects deception or exaggeration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "call your bluff" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase that serves to challenge the truthfulness or seriousness of someone's statement or threat. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media contexts, with occasional appearances in wikis. When using this phrase, be sure you're prepared to face the potential outcome of the challenge. Alternatives like "challenge your claim" or "demand proof" can be used depending on the situation. The register is typically neutral, lending itself to diverse communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenge your claim

Focuses on disputing the veracity of a specific assertion.

question your statement

Involves expressing doubt about the truthfulness of something said.

demand proof

Emphasizes the need for evidence to support a claim.

verify your assertions

Highlights the need to check if claims are accurate.

test your resolve

Focuses on challenging someone's determination or willingness to follow through.

expose your deception

Implies uncovering a deliberate attempt to mislead.

see if you're serious

Informal way of questioning someone's sincerity.

put you to the test

Involves subjecting someone to a challenge to prove their capabilities.

dare you to proceed

Challenges someone to continue with a course of action, often implying doubt.

find out if you're telling the truth

Directly questions someone's honesty.

FAQs

How can I use "call your bluff" in a sentence?

You can use "call your bluff" when you want to challenge someone's statement or threat. For example, "He said he'd quit if he didn't get a raise, so I decided to "call his bluff"."

What does it mean to "call someone's bluff"?

To "call someone's bluff" means to challenge them to prove that what they are saying is true or that they are serious about carrying out a threat.

What can I say instead of "call your bluff"?

You can use alternatives like "challenge your claim", "question your statement", or "demand proof" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to "call someone's bluff"?

It's appropriate to "call someone's bluff" when you doubt the veracity of their statement or the seriousness of their threat, and you are willing to accept the consequences of their response.