The word “checkmate” comes from the Persian “shah mat,” meaning what?
“The game is won”
“The king is dead”
“The time has come”
“The battle is lost”
Fact: The word “checkmate” in chess originates from the Persian phrase “shah mat,” which translates to “the king is dead” or “the king is helpless.” In the game, it signifies that the king is under direct threat and has no legal move to escape, thereby ending the match. Although the king is never actually captured, the phrase reflects the ultimate goal of chess: to corner and effectively neutralize the opposing king. Over time, “checkmate” has also entered everyday language as a powerful metaphor for situations in which a person is left with no viable options.
Correct Answer: “The king is dead”