Trumping

The act of surpassing or outdoing something, often in a competitive or strategic context. It implies gaining an advantage or achieving a superior outcome. Historically, it refers to playing a trump card in a card game to win a trick. More broadly, it signifies using a resource, strategy, or piece of information to triumph over an opponent or obstacle. This concept can apply to various fields including politics, business, and even everyday interactions, where one seeks to improve an existing situation or gain a better position. The degree of trumping can vary from subtly outmaneuvering someone to overwhelmingly dominating a situation.

Trumping meaning with examples

• In the heated negotiations, the company revealed a new patent, effectively trumping their competitor's proposal and securing the deal with overwhelming advantages. The reveal meant their competitor was now unable to compete. This swift move was a stroke of strategic brilliance, gaining them an advantage in the ongoing battle for market share.
• The politician, known for his provocative speeches, successfully trumped his opponent’s moderate stance by emphasizing more radical policies, capturing the attention of the more extreme voters and solidifying his lead in the polls. The radical approach changed the game from a reasonable stance to a drastic and decisive view.
• The scientist’s latest research findings trumped all previous studies, providing groundbreaking evidence to support his theory and garnering significant attention from the scientific community. His findings surpassed all previously known evidence and gave way to the acceptance of his theory.
• During the debate, the lawyer trumped the opposing counsel's argument with a key piece of evidence, discrediting the opposition's case. The lawyer took the argument over and turned it to his benefit with a critical piece of evidence to support his argument, winning the case.