jujitsu

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)A Japanese martial art and method of self-defence, typically unarmed, emphasizing manipulating an opponent’s force against themselves rather than directly opposing it with force, and using a wide variety of holds, throws, and defensive techniques.
2. (countable, uncountable)Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a related art, derived from judo.
3. (countable, figuratively, uncountable)Strategic maneuvering, especially with the aim of using the strength of one's opponent against them in an unexpected or counterintuitive way.

   “The far-right glitterati were not impressed with Trump’s Epstein jiu-jitsu.”

verb

1. (ambitransitive, figuratively)To attack (someone) or overcome (a challenge) with strategic maneuvering.

   “He could never have developed GE’s reputation in that sector if he were still fighting the image of stonewalling on Hudson River cleanup efforts. “They've completely jujitsu-ed that,” notes PR executive Richard Edelman. “They've set a new standard. It's not just corporate social responsibility (CSR) as philanthropy. It's CSR that makes money.””

   “Mischievous bloggers and tweeters are jujitsu-ing the Allied publicity machine with gags about how it’s Ange who is going to come on to whack Marion. Allied might be upstaged by the gossip, and become best known for something other than itself.”

   “Your economy will face “devast[at]ing” consequences, U.S. President Joe Biden warned Russian President Vladimir Putin about the sanctions the United States and its allies would impose if Russia invaded Ukraine. When Putin invaded Ukraine anyway, the sanctions did hit hard. Yet Putin hasn’t withdrawn. And he’s jiujitsu-ed with Russia’s own countersanctions.”