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

See Examples For:

at stake

Although hundreds of millions of dollars are at stake for L.A.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026

Chevron has a lot at stake in the region.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 25, 2026

In some large counties, Jackson won every delegate at stake as a plurality of convention attendees simply voted for the populist Democrat’s slate.

From Slate ● Jul. 24, 2026

Massive cash winnings are at stake in the 48-country tournament.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 17, 2026

Kaan and Mutal had a lot at stake.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann