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]

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

at stake

With its economy and global reputation heavily intertwined with Hollywood’s allure and ability to survive, California had more at stake in the negotiations.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 23, 2026

Eldridge from 1976, in which the Supreme Court stated that due process is flexible depending on the extent of the liberty or property interest at stake.

From Salon ● Sep. 22, 2026

But Samuel Gill, editor of Dartnews.com, suggests Littler's future in the sport could be at stake.

From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2026

A grand prize of $10,000 and a mounted catfish trophy were at stake.

From Slate ● Sep. 17, 2026

John and Mary Jones and their fellow black Chicagoans were beyond angry—they had much more at stake than their principles.

From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield