bargaining chip
Something used during a negotiation that provides one party leverage over another party. The company hoped that its generous benefits package would be the bargaining chip it needed to acquire and retain new talent.
bargaining chip
Fig. something to be used (traded) in negotiations. I want to use their refusal to meet our terms as a bargaining chip in future negotiations. I need to have a few bargaining chips ready when we get down to drawing up the contract.