leverage
If you have leverage, you hold the advantage in a situation or the stronger position in a contest, physical or otherwise.
The lever is a tool for getting more work done with less physical force. With the right leverage, you might be able to lift a heavy box. This refers to non-physical situations too: the power to move or influence others is also leverage. Since your boss has the power to fire you, that's a lot of leverage to get you to do what he wants. If your friend owes you a favor, you have leverage to get a favor of your own.
Definitions of leverage
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the mechanical advantage gained by being in a position to use a lever
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synonyms:
purchase
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type of:
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mechanical phenomenon
a physical phenomenon associated with the equilibrium or motion of objects
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mechanical phenomenon
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strategic advantage; power to act effectively“relatively small groups can sometimes exert immense political leverage”
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types:
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bargaining chip
leverage in the form of an inducement or a concession useful in successful negotiations
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bargaining chip
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investing with borrowed money as a way to amplify potential gains (at the risk of greater losses)
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synonyms:
leveraging
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type of:
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investing, investment
the act of investing; laying out money or capital in an enterprise with the expectation of profit
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investing, investment
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supplement with leverage“leverage the money that is already available”
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type of:
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supplement
add as a supplement to what seems insufficient
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supplement
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provide with leverage
Word Family
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