put on a false show of strength; be understaffed
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb phrase
to bluff; to feign strength while actually weak
literaryOriginates from the famous strategy in the historical novel 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms', where Zhuge Liang defended an empty city by pretending it was full of troops. Now used metaphorically for any deceptive show of strength or confidence.
The company's cash flow is about to break, so the boss can only put on a bluff to reassure investors.
Don't be intimidated by him; he's just bluffing and actually has no cards to play.
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During the negotiation, she skillfully bluffed, making the other side mistakenly think we had many options.
verb phrase
to be deserted; to have most people absent
informalA humorous or ironic extension of the idiom, referring to a place being empty or understaffed.
The office is deserted this afternoon; everyone went to a meeting.
During the holidays, the school dorms are mostly empty.
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The cafeteria is understaffed today; let's order takeout.