At stake

Meaning

The idiom "at stake" means that there is a risk or danger involved, especially in a situation where the outcome is uncertain. It can also imply a sense of importance or urgency, as if something significant is at risk of being lost or damaged.

Usage

• The fate of the company's future success is at stake if they don't improve their sales performance.
• In a high-stakes poker game, every move could determine the outcome of the hand.
• The winner of the election will have control over important policies that affect the entire country.
• If the patient doesn't follow the doctor's instructions, it could put their life at risk.
• The future of the relationship between the two countries is at stake in ongoing negotiations. The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context. For example, in a business context, the outcome of a project or deal may be at stake. In a sports context, the outcome of a game could determine whether a team advances to the next round or is eliminated.

Roots and History

The idiom "at stake" has its roots in Middle English, where it was used to mean "in danger of being lost." It later evolved to mean "in danger of happening" or "on the line," as in a situation where the outcome is uncertain. The idiom has been commonly used in contemporary language for several centuries and is widely recognized in many languages around the world.

Synonyms in English

• at risk
• in jeopardy
• on the line
• hanging in the balance
• up in the air

Synonyms in other languages

• 買賣濾网 (Chinese) - This idiom means "making a bet or taking a risk" and is commonly used in business and gambling contexts.
• ジャオルジャオルジャオル (Japanese) - This idiom means "to play for the stakes" and is commonly used in sports and gaming contexts.
• לאבהם מסום יעד (Hebrew) - This idiom means "for the sake of God" and is commonly used in religious contexts to emphasize the importance of an action or decision.

Similar Idioms

• a bit too much

• all day long

• as far as