To challenge someone who appears to be making empty threats or false claims; to demand proof or action when you suspect someone is deceiving or exaggerating.
This phrase comes directly from poker, where 'bluffing' means betting confidently with a weak hand to convince opponents you have strong cards. 'Calling' means matching the bet to see the bluffer's actual cards. The phrase moved into general usage in the late 1800s as poker terminology became widely understood.
The psychology behind calling a bluff is fascinating - it requires confidence, risk assessment, and the ability to read human behavior, skills that are valuable far beyond card games. In poker, a successful bluff call can win you the pot, but an unsuccessful one can be costly, which perfectly mirrors real-life situations where challenging someone's claims can either expose their weakness or backfire spectacularly.
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