Phrase guide

Galileo gambit

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

Purposeful attraction of criticism or ridicule for the purpose of portraying one's argument as oppressed and therefore correct. Also, the argument that one is correct due to such opposition.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Near-synonym: Galileo fallacy
  • That old liar pulled a Galileo gambit and made sure everyone would hate him so he could claim he was just a persecuted free thinker.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: Galileo fallacy

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Compound of Galileo + gambit (“stratagem, tactic”). Named after Galileo Galilei, who was persecuted by the Church for his beliefs.