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A.Word.A.Day--gambit 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. X-Bonus Sin is geographical. -Bertrand Russell, philosopher, mathematician, author, Nobel laureate (1872-1970)

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