a conversational gambit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a conversational gambit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a strategy or tactic employed in conversation to initiate dialogue or steer the discussion in a particular direction. Example: "He used a conversational gambit about the weather to break the ice at the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"My read is, it was a conversational gambit — he wanted to appear tough," the U.S. official said.

The New Yorker

One Glasto bore would have been OK - faced with a wall of blank indifference it wsn't going to go far using as a conversational gambit.

The Guardian - Money

"I've got significantly higher than average amounts of lachnospira," is unlikely to be a conversational gambit that will impress non-microbiologists, even if you do manage to pronounce the word correctly.

The Guardian

As they eyed the jar of White House honey ("from the South Lawn," read the label) that had been placed in front of each guest, Mr. Gunn and Ms. Ward started to contrive a conversational gambit for when they next ran into each other.

The New York Times

But while many of us have sat through discussions of house prices at dinner parties, few would risk pensions as a conversational gambit (Mrs Buttonwood, who regards the subject as about as fascinating as non-ferrous welding, would kick your blogger under the table if he attempted to do so).

The Economist

"Prodigal Summer" will honestly beguile anyone who finds it tough to resist a conversational gambit like "Have you ever noticed what goats do in the rain?" After her far more ambitious "Poisonwood Bible," with its larger temporal and geopolitical reach and its more complicated characters, "Prodigal Summer" at first looks like a landscape miniature with a didactic mission.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It has served as such a good conversational gambit that she can't imagine not having a signature.

The New York Times

On this occasion the interrogation moved forward into areas including, "What about 'Braveheart' - was that accurate?" – which could be a normal conversational gambit, but which seems to develop dangerous significance when delivered in a tone one would imagine should be reserved for poorly-trained drug mules and parrot-smugglers.

The Guardian - Books

On the other hand, a tempting conversational gambit like "how was your day?" may not reveal the whole truth.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fat talk is a common conversational gambit in which someone decries his or her (though usually her) body with a comment like, "I hate my thighs" or "I wish I was as thin as you".

Huffington Post

"Why is a person as nice/successful/intelligent as you still single?" is an unremarkable conversational gambit, whereas the analogous why-are-you-still-married would be considered unthinkable -- and unthinkably rude.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a conversational gambit" when you want to describe a calculated opening remark or action intended to guide a conversation in a particular direction.

Common error

Avoid using "a conversational gambit" in informal contexts. Opt for simpler terms like "icebreaker" or "conversation starter" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a conversational gambit" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a strategy or tactic employed at the start of a conversation. It suggests a calculated attempt to direct the discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a conversational gambit" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression that describes a strategic opening in a conversation. According to Ludwig, it is often found in news and media contexts. While not exceedingly common, it serves to denote a calculated attempt to steer a discussion. When aiming for simplicity, consider alternatives such as "conversation starter" or "icebreaker". Use this term when precision and a subtle understanding of conversational dynamics are desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conversation starter

Focuses on the act of beginning a conversation, omitting the strategic implication.

opening line

Specifically refers to the initial sentence or question used to start a conversation.

icebreaker

Highlights the function of easing tension or awkwardness at the start of a conversation.

conversational tactic

Emphasizes the strategic element of the phrase but is slightly broader.

lead-in to a discussion

Describes the phrase as something that precedes and introduces a more extended conversation.

subject change

Describes the action of switching the topic during the interaction.

talking point

Focuses on a specific item or topic that is introduced to facilitate discussion.

conversational ploy

Suggests a strategic and possibly manipulative approach to conversation.

method of initiating dialogue

More formal way to describe initiating a discussion or conversation.

approach to starting a discussion

Focuses more on the method used rather than the specific phrase or action.

FAQs

What does "a conversational gambit" mean?

The phrase "a conversational gambit" refers to a strategic move or opening statement used to initiate or steer a conversation. It implies a deliberate intention to influence the direction of the discussion.

How can I use "a conversational gambit" in a sentence?

You might say, "He used "a conversational gambit" about the weather to subtly change the subject" or "Her "a conversational gambit" was to always ask about people's hobbies."

What are some alternatives to "a conversational gambit"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "conversation starter", "icebreaker", or "opening line".

Is "a conversational gambit" appropriate for formal or informal settings?

"A conversational gambit" is suitable for both formal and informal settings, but it's more common in writing or when describing a deliberate, strategic approach to conversation. In casual conversation, simpler terms like "conversation starter" might be preferred.