brinkmanship

[ bringk-muh n-ship ]
/ ˈbrɪŋk mənˌʃɪp /

noun

the technique or practice of maneuvering a dangerous situation to the limits of tolerance or safety in order to secure the greatest advantage, especially by creating diplomatic crises.
Also brinks·man·ship [bringks-muh n-ship] /ˈbrɪŋks mənˌʃɪp/.

Origin of brinkmanship

1955–60; brink + -manship, with brink(s)- by analogy with sportsmanship, etc.

Words nearby brinkmanship

bringing-up, brinjal, brink, brinkley, brinkman, brinkmanship, brinnin, brinny, brinton, briny, brio

Example sentences from the Web for brinkmanship

British Dictionary definitions for brinkmanship

brinkmanship
/ (ˈbrɪŋkmənˌʃɪp) /

noun

the art or practice of pressing a dangerous situation, esp in international affairs, to the limit of safety and peace in order to win an advantage from a threatening or tenacious foe

Cultural definitions for brinkmanship

brinkmanship

The policy of a nation that pushes a dangerous situation to the limits of safety (the “brink”) before pulling back; an aggressive and adventurous foreign policy.