bluffs

An act of bluffing; a false expression of the strength of one's position in order to intimidate; braggadocio.

“That is only bluff, or a bluff.”

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.”

The card game poker.

One who bluffs; a bluffer.

An excuse.

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.”

(by analogy) To frighten or deter with a false show of strength or confidence; to give a false impression of strength or temerity in order to intimidate and 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?”

To take advantage by bluffing.

“We bluffed our way past the guards.”

A high, steep bank, for example by a river or the sea, or beside a ravine or plain; a cliff with a broad face.

A small wood or stand of trees, typically poplar or willow.

To fluff, puff or swell up.