at stake
Related to at stake: put at stake
at stake
In jeopardy of being won or lost, or in the process of being determined as a positive or negative outcome. My presentation needs to go perfectly—the big promotion is at stake. Our dream house is at stake here, so we need write the best possible offer.
See also: stake
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
at stake
Fig. ready to be won or lost; at risk; hanging in the balance. That's a very risky investment. How much money is at stake? I have everything at stake on this wager.
See also: stake
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
at stake
At risk to be won or lost, as in We have a great deal at stake in this transaction. This phrase uses stake in the sense of something that is wagered. Shakespeare used it in Troilus and Cressida (3:3): "I see my reputation is at stake." [Late 1500s]
See also: stake
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
at stake
Something that is at stake could be lost or damaged if something fails. There's a lot of money at stake here. Someone's got to do the thinking around here, especially with our daughter's future at stake.
See also: stake
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
(be/have a lot, etc.) at ˈstake
that can be won or lost, depending on the success of a particular action: The team must win the game on Saturday to stay in the competition. With so much at stake, everyone has to play their best. This decision has put our lives at stake. Stake in this idiom refers to the amount of money that somebody bets when they are gambling and which they could lose.
See also: stake
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
at stake
At risk; in question.
See also: stake
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- in jeopardy
- stop the rot
- abstain from voting
- be on the line
- on the line
- in the balance
- be in the balance
- I couldn't have said it better myself
- be/get done for something/for doing something
- be done for