a brilliant move

USAGE SUMMARY

"a brilliant move" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a clever or strategic action or decision made by someone. Example: The CEO's decision to rebrand the company was a brilliant move, as it helped increase their sales and revitalize their brand image.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was a brilliant move.

The New York Times - Arts

Sometimes scoring takes a brilliant move (more on that later).

The New York Times

It was a brilliant move by David Boies".

The New York Times

"Two years later, that was a brilliant move.

The New York Times - Sports

"Gagosian made a brilliant move in 2000 when he opened in London".

The New York Times - Arts

It made the Red Bulls' decision to tank the Open Cup look like a brilliant move.

The New York Times

"But a copycat or not, what Samsung has done with its smartphones was a brilliant move".

The New York Times

"It's a brilliant move, the ball is back in the EU's court," marvelled a European diplomat.

The Economist

"It was a brilliant move," Cameron said Wednesday at his home outside Baltimore.

The New York Times - Sports

+ It was a brilliant move, and Oracle rode the Internet to new heights.

The New York Times - Books

West ATLANTA: Drafting Michael Vick was a brilliant move by the Falcons.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about strategic decisions, using "a brilliant move" can add emphasis and highlight the positive consequences of a well-thought-out plan.

Common error

Avoid using "a brilliant move" to describe ordinary or expected actions. Reserve it for situations where the decision or action truly stands out due to its ingenuity or positive impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brilliant move" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object, describing an action or decision. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is often used to commend a clever or strategic act. The examples provided confirm that it frequently appears to highlight successful strategies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a brilliant move" is a commonly used phrase to commend a clever or strategic action that leads to a positive outcome. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently encountered across various sources, particularly in news, sports, and business contexts. While versatile, it’s best reserved for situations where the ingenuity or impact of the action is genuinely noteworthy. Alternatives like ""a smart decision"" or ""a clever strategy"" can be used for similar meanings, but "a brilliant move" emphasizes exceptional intelligence and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a smart decision

Focuses on the decisional aspect, highlighting intelligence rather than flair.

a clever strategy

Emphasizes the strategic planning involved, suggesting calculated ingenuity.

an ingenious tactic

Highlights the inventiveness and skillful execution of the maneuver.

a stroke of genius

Implies exceptional intelligence and creativity behind the action.

a masterstroke

Suggests a high level of skill and expertise in the execution.

a strategic maneuver

Underscores the calculated and tactical nature of the action.

a shrewd tactic

Highlights the practical intelligence and astuteness of the approach.

a canny plan

Focuses on the careful and strategic planning involved.

a inspired idea

Highlights the creative spark and ingenuity behind the concept.

a visionary approach

Emphasizes the forward-thinking and innovative nature of the strategy.

FAQs

How can I use "a brilliant move" in a sentence?

You can use "a brilliant move" to describe a clever action or decision that leads to a positive outcome. For example: "Hiring a new marketing director was "a brilliant move" for the company."

What are some alternatives to "a brilliant move"?

Some alternatives include "a smart decision", "a clever strategy", or "a stroke of genius". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a brilliant move" formal or informal?

"A brilliant move" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding text. It's commonly used in news articles, business reports, and casual conversations.

What makes an action qualify as "a brilliant move"?

An action qualifies as "a brilliant move" when it demonstrates exceptional intelligence, foresight, and leads to a significantly positive outcome. It often involves creative problem-solving or strategic thinking.