opening gambit

USAGE SUMMARY

"opening gambit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a statement or remark that is intended to set the tone or the agenda for a conversation or discussion. For example, you could say: "His opening gambit made it clear that this was not going to be an easy negotiation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Now he's the company's associate choreographer and his five-minute Opening Gambit is a cracker.

The Guardian

It's a canny opening gambit, a reminder that art history's canon remains open-ended.

The New Yorker

Have a good opening gambit.

The Guardian - Travel

That is just her opening gambit.

The New York Times

Back to that opening gambit.

The Guardian - Film

Plz advise," was his opening gambit.

The Guardian - Opinion

View all that as an opening gambit.

The New York Times

And sexy," was her opening gambit.

The Guardian - Music

Ridsdale's opening gambit, however, surprised them both.

The Guardian - Sport

How many notes is in this opening gambit here?

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This was Joe Hockey's opening gambit tonight.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "opening gambit", be mindful of the audience and context. In formal settings, it can add a touch of sophistication, while in informal settings, it might sound overly strategic or pretentious.

Common error

Avoid using "opening gambit" in situations that are not strategic or competitive. For instance, describing a simple greeting as an "opening gambit" can sound unnatural and forced. Save it for scenarios where there's a clear goal or advantage being sought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opening gambit" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to an initial move or strategy designed to gain an advantage in a negotiation, debate, or other competitive situation. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opening gambit" is a noun phrase that denotes a strategic initial move designed to gain an advantage in a negotiation, debate, or competitive situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its primary function is to describe a calculated action intended to influence the direction and outcome of subsequent events. The phrase is frequently used in news and media, as well as in formal and business contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. While it's a common expression, it should be reserved for situations that genuinely involve strategic maneuvering to avoid sounding unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first salvo

Suggests an aggressive or confrontational beginning, often in a debate or negotiation.

introductory move

Emphasizes the act of starting or initiating something.

lead-in

Implies a smooth transition into the main topic or activity.

opening bid

Specifically refers to the initial offer or proposal in a negotiation or auction.

initial approach

Focuses on the method or manner of beginning a task or interaction.

preliminary action

Highlights the preparatory or initial nature of the action.

first step

Highlights the beginning of a process or series of actions.

icebreaker

Specifically aimed at easing tension or initiating conversation in social situations.

starting point

Refers to the place or moment from which something begins.

establishing shot

This term is more specific to visual media, suggesting an initial view or scene to set the context.

FAQs

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

You can use "opening gambit" to describe an initial move or statement in a negotiation, debate, or strategic situation. For example, "His "opening gambit" in the salary negotiation was to ask for significantly more than he expected."

What's the difference between "opening gambit" and "first step"?

"Opening gambit" implies a strategic move aimed at gaining an advantage, while "first step" simply refers to the beginning of a process. An opening gambit is more calculated and competitive in nature.

Are there any synonyms for "opening gambit"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "initial approach", "introductory move", or "first salvo".

Is "opening gambit" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "opening gambit" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when discussing strategy, negotiation, or competitive scenarios. It adds a level of sophistication and precision to the description.