Definition

Noun: - A bargaining chip is something that a person, group, or country possesses which can be offered, conceded, or threatened in a negotiation to gain an advantage or to persuade the other side to agree to something. It represents an item of value or a point of leverage used strategically during discussions.

Usage

This term is used primarily in the context of formal or informal negotiations, such as in business, politics, or diplomacy. It describes an asset or a concession that is not the main goal but is used as a tool to facilitate a deal. - In negotiations, each side must identify its bargaining chips. - The release of the prisoners was used as a bargaining chip to secure a ceasefire.

Examples

• The company's valuable patent portfolio served as a bargaining chip during the merger talks.
• The politician offered tax cuts as a bargaining chip to gain support for the new legislation.
• During the hostage crisis, the authorities had very few bargaining chips to work with.

Advanced Usage

• "To have something as a bargaining chip": To possess an item or point that can be used for negotiation.
  • The captured territory gave the rebels a powerful bargaining chip.
• "To use/lose/play a bargaining chip": To employ, forfeit, or utilize a point of leverage in talks.
  • They decided to play their final bargaining chip to break the deadlock.

Variants and Related Words

• Leverage (n.): The power to influence a situation. While similar, "leverage" is a broader term, and a "bargaining chip" is a specific item that leverage.
• Concession (n.): Something granted, especially in response to demands. A concession can be offered a bargaining chip.
• Negotiating asset (n. phrase): A direct synonym for a bargaining chip.

Synonyms

• Negotiating tool
• Leverage point
• Negotiating ploy
• Ace in the hole (idiomatic)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "A card to play": Similar to a bargaining chip; a resource or piece of information held in reserve to use at an opportune moment.
  • He kept the audit report as a card to play during the contract renewal.
• "Something up one's sleeve": A secret plan or advantage kept in reserve.
  • The negotiator seemed confident, as if he had something up his sleeve.

Noun

1. leverage in the form of an inducement or a concession useful in successful negotiations