Basic Details
Word: Gambit
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A clever action or strategy aimed at gaining an advantage, often involving a risk.
Synonyms: Tactic, ploy, strategy
Antonyms: Straightforwardness, honesty
Idioms and Phrases
- All's fair in love and war: Used to express that any tactic is acceptable to gain an advantage in difficult situations. Example: "He used a clever gambit during the negotiations because he believed all's fair in love and war."
- Take a gamble: To take a risk with uncertain outcomes. Example: "She decided to take a gamble and invest in a new business idea."
Usage Examples
Example 1: In chess, a gambit is often used to sacrifice a piece for a strategic advantage on the board.
Example 2: The politician made a gambit during the debate to shift the focus onto his opponent's weaknesses.
Example 3: His gambit to offer an unexpected discount attracted many new customers to the shop.
Fun Fact
The word "gambit" originates from the Italian word "gambetto," which means "to trip someone up," referring to a strategy in chess where a player sacrifices a piece to gain an advantage.
Famous Quote
"To begin with, you need to be one of the main players, you must take a gambit if you want to be successful." Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "gambit" mean?
a) A type of flower
b) A clever strategy or action
c) A sports competition
d) A kind of fruit
Answer: b) A clever strategy or action
2. Which of these is a synonym of "gambit"?
a) Tactic
b) Elephant
c) River
d) Chair
Answer: a) Tactic
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "gambit"?
a) Strategy
b) Cunning
c) Straightforwardness
d) Scheme
Answer: c) Straightforwardness
4. Which sentence uses "gambit" correctly?
a) He made a gambit to cross the road.
b) The company's gambit succeeded in drawing more clients.
c) She forgot to bring her gambit to the picnic.
d) The gambit is a delicious dish served at the restaurant.
Answer: b) The company's gambit succeeded in drawing more clients.
5. What is a related idiom to "gambit"?
a) Take a gamble
b) As blind as a bat
c) All bark and no bite
d) Last straw
Answer: a) Take a gamble
