strategic gamble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strategic gamble" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a calculated risk taken to achieve a specific goal or advantage. For example, "Investing in the new technology was a strategic gamble that paid off." Alternative expressions include "calculated risk" and "tactical risk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But in January it filed for bankruptcy after being brought down by a massive strategic gamble that went wrong.

The Economist

This was not a grand strategic gamble on African growth: the continent's economies were then in a funk.

The Economist

Overall, Arsenal were sluggish and imbalanced, with Aaron Ramsey's positioning on the left side of the attack a strategic gamble that did not come off.

The Guardian - Sport

On race day, with twenty-eight laps remaining, and Patrick running ninth, her team made a strategic gamble, keeping her on the track while the leaders went to their pits for fuel and tires.

The New Yorker

But that strategic gamble — which now takes its place in the annals of political misfires — came as a result of a somber meeting earlier that day with his economic team at a Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan.

The New York Times - Magazine

Most feel that the party has been bounced, on the strength of little more than the personal chemistry between the two party leaders, into a strategic gamble that might not come off.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Mr Spinetta has also taken some bold strategic gambles, such as the merger with KLM and an ambitious expansion of routes in the late 1990s.

The Economist

SG: Strategic gambling.

BMC Psychiatry

Strategic gambling (as opposed to non-strategic) was significantly associated with clinical outcomes, but the effect size of the relationships was small.

BMC Psychiatry

They found that strategic gambling, namely cards or sports betting, is associated with high levels of excitement or arousal in men, while in women it appears to be linked to emotional regulation and avoidance of negative feelings [ 8, 18- 20].

BMC Psychiatry

Specifically, we compared patients with GD who chose strategic gambling where individual skills are emphasized (cards, poker, craps, sports betting, or stock market investment) with patients with GD who chose non-strategic gaming which relies on chance (slot machines and lottery).

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In corporate or political writing, pair this phrase with verbs like "undertake", "make" or "embark on" to sound more professional.

Common error

Do not use "strategic gamble" to describe a decision made out of desperation or lack of options. A gamble is only "strategic" if it is a proactive choice made among several alternatives to achieve a specific long-term advantage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strategic gamble" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "strategic" provides a specialized modification to the noun "gamble". According to Ludwig, it transforms the concept of a random bet into a deliberate, planned action. It usually acts as the direct object of verbs like "make", "take" or "perform".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "strategic gamble" is a robust and versatile phrase in the English language, primarily used to describe high-stakes decisions that are backed by a specific logic or goal. According to Ludwig AI, it is most prevalent in political and business journalism, where it helps frame risky actions as part of a larger plan. While it can be synonymous with a "calculated risk", the word "gamble" adds a layer of drama and intensity, making it a favorite for narrative-driven reporting. Whether used in the context of a military maneuver, a corporate merger or a behavioral study, it remains a linguistically correct and professional way to describe the intersection of risk and strategy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calculated gamble

Maintains the gambling metaphor while stressing the analytical preparation involved.

calculated risk

Standard synonym emphasizing that the potential dangers were weighed against the benefits.

strategic risk

A more formal, corporate terminology for a similar concept.

high-stakes play

Emphasizes the significant consequences if the strategic decision fails.

long-term bet

Suggests a strategy whose outcome will only be clear after a significant period.

tactical move

Focuses more on the maneuvering and execution rather than the inherent danger of the act.

bold maneuver

Highlights the courage and large-scale nature of the strategic decision.

deliberate venture

Emphasizes the intentional and formal nature of the risky undertaking.

tactical risk

Refers to risks taken at a lower operational level compared to overarching strategy.

policy shift

Used in political contexts where the gamble involves a change in official direction.

FAQs

How do I use "strategic gamble" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe high-stakes decisions, such as: "The CEO's decision to pivot to renewable energy was a "strategic gamble" that eventually saved the company."

What is the difference between a "strategic gamble" and a "calculated risk"?

While similar, a "calculated risk" sounds more clinical and safe, whereas a "strategic gamble" implies higher stakes and a more dramatic potential for both success and failure.

Can I say "tactical gamble" instead?

Yes, but use "tactical gamble" for smaller, short-term decisions, while "strategic gamble" is better suited for large-scale, long-term objectives.

Is "strategic gamble" used in sports?

Absolutely. For example, a manager making a controversial substitution can be described as making a "strategic gamble" to win the game.