The story
Coined on TV Tropes in reference to the character David Xanatos from Gargoyles, who is depicted as a criminal mastermind who often claims victory after his apparent defeat.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Xanatos gambit
Today it means: A subtle plan (usually villainous) that cannot be foiled, such that attempts to defeat it actually further its creator's goals. Full definition →