jujitsu

Etymology

Borrowed from Japanese 柔術 (jūjutsu).

noun

1. A method of self-defence established in Japan emphasizing “jū” (soft or gentle) “jutsu” (art or technique). Japanese martial art that utilizes a large variety of techniques in defense against an opponent.
2. Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a related art, derived from judo.
3. (figurative) Strategic maneuvering, especially with the aim of using the strength of one's opponent against them in an unexpected or counterintuitive way.

verb

1. (transitive, intransitive, figurative) 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.” 2008, “Go on the Offensive and Shape the Message”, in William J. Holstein, Manage the Media (Don't Let the Media Manage You), Boston, MA: Harvard Business Press, page 60
   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. 2016-11-07, Peter Bradshaw, “Allied: what happens when a film gets eclipsed by gossip”, in The Guardian
   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 Yet Putin hasn’t withdrawn.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. 2022-08-18, Bruce W. Jentleson, “Who’s Winning the Sanctions War?”, in Foreign Policy