Gambit (noun)
gam-bit
An act or remark that is calculated to gain an advantage, especially at the outset of a situation.
(in chess) an opening move in which a player makes a sacrifice, typically of a pawn, for the sake of a compensating advantage.
Mid 17th century: originally gambett, from Italian gambetto, literally ‘tripping up’, from gamba ‘leg’.
Example sentences
“The threat of leaving without a deal was no more than a political gambit.”
