jaque
/ˈxake/ · B2 · noun · m
jeopardy, danger, threat
♟️ jaque sounds like 'HAH-keh' — a chess check says your king is in danger
Jaque comes from Arabic 'shāh' (king), the same root as English 'check' and 'shah'. Saying 'jaque al rey' warns the king is threatened, which extends to any danger, as in 'poner en jaque' (to put in jeopardy).