stake a claim

stake a claim (to something) also stake your claim (to something)

to show that you believe something is yours In recent years, several big stores have staked a claim to the wealthy shoppers in this area. Stevens has staked a claim to a new brand of techno music with a series of exciting concerts.

Etymology: from the idea of marking land that is not owned by someone with stakes (pointed sticks) to show it is yours

See also: claim, stake

stake a claim (to something)

to announce that something belongs to you Every kind of group you can think of has staked a claim to space on the Internet.

Usage notes: also used in the form stake your claim: He staked his claim as a liberal.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of stake a claim (to mark with posts a piece of land belonging to the government that you claim for yourself)

See also: claim, stake