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From:wsmith@wordsmith.org
To:linguaphile@wordsmith.org
Subject:A.Word.A.Day--gambit
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Date:Tue, 2 Oct 2001 21:06:11 -0700 (PDT)

gambit (GAM-bit) noun

1. An opening in which a minor piece is sacrificed to obtain a strategic
advantage.

2. A maneuver used to secure an advantage.

3. A remark used to open or redirect a conversation.

[From Spanish gambito, from Italian gambetto (the act of tripping someone),
from gamba (leg).]

"North Korea will no doubt try to gain maximum advantage by playing South
Korea, America and Japan off against each other. If it fails to get the
result - and the cash - it wants from its new diplomatic gambit, it may
simply abandon the enterprise."
The Two Koreas: Mr Kim, Meet Mr Kim, The Economist (London),
Apr 15, 2000.

This week's theme: words from chess.

............................................................................
Sin is geographical. -Bertrand Russell, philosopher, mathematician, author,
Nobel laureate (1872-1970)

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giving the whole year long, and beyond.

Pronunciation:
http://wordsmith.org/words/gambit.wav
http://wordsmith.org/words/gambit.ram