Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

black-knight

noun

/blak naɪt/

Definition

A person or entity who appears to intervene in a situation, often to assist or protect someone, but whose motives may be unclear or whose actions may have ulterior motives.

Examples

The black-knight swooped in to save the company from a hostile takeover.
In the game of chess, a player using a black-knight strategy can cleverly outmaneuver opponents.

Meaning

The term ‘black-knight’ is typically associated with a figure who can enter a scenario and provide aid or information, often with a hidden agenda. In business and finance, it can refer to an investor who makes a surprise bid for a company, which may not be welcomed by the current management.