The language of chess has manoeuvred itself into many other pursuits. You might hear reference being made to a “pawn”, meaning an insignificant person. The word is much used in politics, military engagements and foreign relations. Then there are “strategic planning”, “opening phase”, “tactics”, “sacrifice”, strategy, and “endgame”. These words and phrases relating to the game of chess are in everyday use. People use them because the standards of success and failure in chess are strict. If your decisions are flawed, your position or situation deteriorates and the pendulum swings toward a loss or failure; if they are good, it swings toward a victory or success.