bluff (someone) into (something)

bluff (someone) into (something)

To mislead someone into doing something, holding some position, or making some decision, often by making a false promise or lying about the purported consequences or result. I used to be able to bluff my little sister into cleaning my room, but she's wary now since I never actually give her the candy I promised. Jeff tried to bluff management into giving him a raise by claiming he had several job offers elsewhere. I can't believe you're bluffing your interns into doing this work for you! It's not like they're actually going to get overtime pay for it.

See also: bluff

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

bluff someone into something

to mislead or deceive someone into doing something. Are you trying to bluff me into giving up without a fight? I won't be bluffed into revealing the whereabouts of the safe.

See also: bluff

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.