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leverage

LEV-uhr-ij /ˈlevərɪdʒ/

nounverbB2SATGMATIELTS

businesspoliticalgeneral

Use (something) to maximum advantage; the power to influence a person or situation.

Having an advantage or bargaining chip that forces the other side to take your demands seriously.

The story behind the word. Comes from the mechanical lever—a simple machine that allows a small force to lift a heavy object. In the 20th century, the term shifted from physics to business and politics, describing how a small strategic advantage can move massive, stubborn obstacles.

Word relationships

influence: Influence is general persuasive power, while leverage is a specific strategic advantage used to extract concessions.

powerlessness: Powerlessness is the complete lack of influence or bargaining chips, whereas leverage is having a strong advantage.

Commonly confused with

advantage: An advantage is simply a favorable position, while leverage is the active use of that position to achieve a specific result.

Word family

lever (noun): a rigid bar used to exert pressure

Collocations

gain leverage
use as leverage
maximum leverage

Idioms & expressions

have the upper hand
hold all the cards

Example sentences

"The company used its exclusive patent as leverage during the acquisition talks." Describing strategic business decisions.
"She managed to leverage her experience to secure a higher starting salary." Discussing personal influence.

Memory hook

Think of a lever lifting a heavy rock. Leverage is the tool that makes a hard negotiation easy to move. Using a lever to move a mountain.

When not to use

Do not use for raw physical force; leverage in negotiations is psychological or strategic.

Fun facts

Archimedes famously said of the physical lever: 'Give me a place to stand on, and I will move the Earth.' This is the ultimate statement of leverage.