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gambit

Noun

IPA /ˈɡæmbɪt/

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Meaning in plain English

An opening remark or action intended to give you an advantage.

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Pronunciation

gambit/ˈɡæmbɪt/

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A negotiation is about to begin
One participant plans an opening tactic
They make a move to gain an advantage

A gambit is a deliberate opening move or remark intended to help your position.

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His opening gambit was a compliment about the host's garden.
The negotiator's first gambit was to propose a deadline favourable to her team.

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His opening ________ was a compliment about the host's garden.

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gambit — An opening remark or action intended to give you an advantage.

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An opening remark or action intended to give you an advantage.

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Word origin

From Italian gambetto, referring to tripping someone up, related to gamba, meaning leg.

Did you know?

Gambit also names an opening strategy in chess.

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