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parlay

par·lay [ pr lày, prlee ]


transitive verb  (past and past participle par·layed, present participle par·lay·ing, 3rd person present singular par·lays)
Definition:
 
1. bet winnings: to stake an original bet and its winnings on a subsequent bet

2. use advantage: to make good use of an asset or advantage to obtain success
He parlayed his family connections into a prestigious job in the finance industry.



noun  (plural par·lays)
Definition:
 
instance of betting winnings: a bet in which winnings from a previous bet are gambled

[Late 19th century. Alteration of paroli, via French< Italian parare "place a bet" < Latin, "prepare"]

Spelling Note

parlay or parley? Do not confuse the spelling of parlay and parley, which sound similar. Parlay is a verb and noun referring to the betting of winnings on a subsequent bet. Parley is a verb and noun referring to talks or negotiations, especially with an enemy.

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