at stake

Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

"But with so much at stake and shareholders to appease, it seems ultimately the magic number couldn't be found, at least not right now," she added.

From Barron's

Results were paramount in the Test campaign, with points at stake in every match and the win in the final against Australia at Lord's was South Africa's eighth in a row.

From Barron's

“But we know what’s at stake here, and it’s important for us to essentially do the right thing to make sure that this island stays and gets even better for the future.”

From Los Angeles Times

Older, and with even higher wages at stake, it will be fascinating to see how Ronaldo deals with this situation given he is yet to speak.

From BBC

More than 99% of the money at stake belonged to Michigan workers and retirees.

From The Wall Street Journal