bargaining chip

American  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of bargaining chip

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Russia has often used jailed Westerners as bargaining chips, as it did last year in arresting and prosecuting the basketball player Brittney Griner on drug charges.

From New York Times

Dreyer of University of Miami said many of Taiwan’s allies will use their relationship with both China and Taiwan as a “bargaining chip” to seek greater investment and monetary benefits from both countries.

From Washington Times

U.S. officials have accused Maduro of using the men as political bargaining chips to extract concessions from the United States.

From Seattle Times

Thus did the Canadians, held by China as hostages on cooked-up charges, become human bargaining chips in the escalating superpower tensions between Beijing and Washington.

From Washington Post

Critics have accused China of treating both Spavor and Kovrig as political bargaining chips, held as part of what is known as "hostage diplomacy".

From BBC

Related Words

• leverage