Business Idioms: At Stake

When something is at stake, it is at risk or under question, and it may be lost as a result of current actions or circumstances. Profits may be put at stake by a questionable choice in packaging design, or employment positions may be put at stake by budget and funding cuts. You may hear the term being used to exaggerate risks and possible outcomes of controversial suggestions and ideas. The phrase apparently originates in bear fighting, where people would place money bets on a bear tied to a stake and attacked by dogs.




A: I really hope this works, Zavi. We've got a lot resting on this presentation and the outcome of tomorrow's meeting.
B: I know, there's a lot at stake. Please don't put any more pressure on me!