stake (something) on (something)

stake (something) on (something)

1. Literally, to lay something as a wager on some bet. I've staked a lot of money on this match—if my guy doesn't win, I don't know what I'm going to do. I only ever stake a few bucks on card games. That way, I'm never too upset if I lose.

2. By extension, to risk losing or damaging something if something else is not successful. He has essentially staked his whole career on this concert—if it isn't a big success, that's pretty much the end of the road for him. We're staking our professional reputations on this deal, you know.

See also: on, stake

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

stake on

v.

To gamble or risk something on the success or outcome of something else: I was convinced that the horse would win, and I staked a lot of money on the race. Unfortunately, the candidate has staked the election on a story that will be difficult to prove. How much did you stake on the football game?

See also: on, stake

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.