Schachzug

chess move

noun SHAKH-tsook Rare

Also means

clever manoeuvre

Usage Note

Schachzug is a move in chess, but the figurative meaning — a clever strategic step — is extremely common in German: ein kluger Schachzug (a smart move). B2 learners will encounter the figurative sense far more often than the literal one.

Examples

"Die Fusion war ein kluger Schachzug des Unternehmens."

Natural Translation

The merger was a clever strategic move by the company.

Literal Translation

The merger was a clever chess-move of-the company.

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