Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

opening-gambit

noun

/ˈoʊ.pən.ɪŋ ˈɡæm.bɪt/

Definition

A strategic move or action taken at the beginning of a conversation or negotiation that is intended to gain an advantage or set the tone.

Examples

The CEO’s opening gambit was to propose an ambitious merger plan to capture the market.
In the negotiation, her opening gambit included a significant discount to attract interest.
He used the opening gambit of a personal story to create rapport with the audience.

Meaning

The term ‘opening-gambit’ often refers to the first move in a strategic game, such as chess, or the initial approach in discussions that aims to provoke a response or establish control.