English Lexicon

Bargaining chip

/ˈbɑːrɡɪnɪŋ tʃɪp/
nounCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #14500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    An advantage, resource, or concession that one party holds and is willing to use or trade in order to gain an objective during negotiations.

    "The government used the trade tariffs as a bargaining chip during the international summit."
  2. 2

    A person or thing whose value lies chiefly in what they can be used to obtain in a dispute or negotiation.

    "Civilians should never be used as bargaining chips in political conflicts."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the verb bargain, originating in the late 14th century from Old French bargaigner, combined with chip in the sense of a token or counter used in gambling games like poker from the mid-19th century. The metaphorical shift emerged in diplomatic and economic contexts during the early 20th century, describing an asset or concession used to gain an advantage in negotiations.

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