my opening gambit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "my opening gambit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial move or strategy in a discussion, negotiation, or game, often intended to gain an advantage. Example: "In our negotiation, my opening gambit was to propose a higher price to set the stage for further discussions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"I hadn't solved those problems myself and so it became my opening gambit on university open days where I'd tell excited students and anxious parents that my job as an editorial photographer did not exist any more.

BBC

Mr. Clarke said he attempted to start a conversation, but admitted, "My opening gambit was a miserable failure".

The New York Times

It's not the most probing interrogation I've ever thrown at a celebrity but Iggy responds to my opening gambit by wagging her tail.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Yet his answer to my opening gambit, asking why the venerable weekly is going on air, starts with an unfathomable American expression about Texas and rice, segues through the cultural and economic impact of new technologies via Dickens and Dostoevsky, before quoting a 20th century mobster.

The Guardian

Which returns me to my opening gambit.

TechCrunch

Do you still believe in the institution of marriage?" Yes, this is my opening gambit.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

You probably think you would see right through my silly opening gambit.

The New York Times

"Hey, are you checking out my ride?" is his opening gambit, delivered while astride a hover bike.

The Guardian - Tech

This is her on airline food, the first thing my Dictaphone records after I've wrestled it from my pocket (missing entirely an opening gambit about her ongoing colonic struggle with IBS, then the correct way to cook steak, then "the way London smells").

The Guardian - Music

"My obituaries were so fabulous," he twinkles in an opening gambit, "I felt more or less obliged to walk the plank".

The Guardian

This happened to be the opening gambit of Karl Ove Knausgaard's page-eating travelogue, "My Saga, Part 1: Travels Through North America".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "my opening gambit" when you want to describe a calculated initial move in a negotiation, discussion, or strategic situation to gain an advantage or set the tone.

Common error

Avoid using "my opening gambit" in casual conversations where a simple "hello" or "how are you" is more appropriate. Using strategic language in informal settings may come across as pretentious or overly calculated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my opening gambit" functions as a noun phrase that refers to an initial action or statement made with a strategic intent. It typically introduces a planned approach designed to achieve a specific outcome in a negotiation, conversation, or other interactive situation. Ludwig confirms that this expression is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "my opening gambit" is a noun phrase denoting a strategic initial move, frequently observed in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical standing and utility in written communication. It conveys a calculated first step in a negotiation or strategic situation, aiming to set the tone or gain an advantage. While grammatically correct, it should be used judiciously, especially in informal settings where its strategic undertones might seem out of place. Alternatives like "initial move" or "first step" may suit less formal scenarios. The phrase is considered to be used neutrally and professionally.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial move

Focuses on the first action taken.

opening strategy

Emphasizes the planned approach from the beginning.

first step

Highlights the commencement of a process or task.

introductory statement

Specifically refers to the beginning of a speech or presentation.

starting point

Indicates the origin or basis for further development.

lead-in

Refers to the introductory part that prepares for the main content.

preliminary remark

Highlights the introductory nature of the comment.

initial approach

Focuses on the method used to start something.

icebreaker

Emphasizes the aim to create a friendly and open atmosphere at the start of an interaction.

first play

Highlights the first action in a game or competition.

FAQs

How can I use "my opening gambit" in a sentence?

You can use "my opening gambit" to describe your initial move in a strategic situation. For example: "In the negotiation, "my opening gambit" was to ask for more than I expected to get."

What's a more informal way to say "my opening gambit"?

If you want to sound less formal, you could say "my first move" or "how I started the conversation". These alternatives are less strategic and more conversational.

Is it correct to use "my opening gambit" in a formal setting?

Yes, "my opening gambit" is appropriate in formal settings like business negotiations or strategic planning discussions, where you're describing a deliberate first action.

Which is more appropriate, "my opening gambit" or "my initial strategy"?

Both phrases are suitable, but "my opening gambit" implies a specific, tactical move, while "my initial strategy" suggests a broader, more comprehensive plan.