bargaining chip

noun

1. something, as a concession or inducement, that can be used in negotiating.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bargaining chip¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

He called for "more crossings open and a genuine, practical, problem-solving approach to removing remaining obstacles" and said "withholding aid from civilians is not a bargaining chip".

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Given the corpses’ value to the terrorists as bargaining chips, the claim that they need more time to find and retrieve them is hard to credit.

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“Both sides are increasing their bargaining chips,” he said.

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His captors, who need him alive as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the Israeli government, fear that local civilians would lynch an Israeli if they saw one.

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But the hostages are the group's only bargaining chip - and it's unclear whether it would be willing to release them before other elements of the deal are finalised.

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Related Words

• leverage