what's at stake

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hello,

I wonder the exact meaning of “what’s at stake”. I guess it is like “what’s important” or “what’s dangerous”.

You’ve been very clever so far, but you don’t realise what’s at stake. I simply cannot let you win, my dear.

Please let me know the meaning of the phrase.

Thank you in advance,
sweetpumpkin

2

“What’s at stake” means what can be won or lost. When two people make a bet, they each pay money that will go to the winner, this money is the “stakes”, the money is “what’s at stake”. I read that way way back in time, people would generally bet animals, like pigs or cows, which were tied to stakes in the ground, and the winner would get both animals.

3

The interesting thing is that steak and stake are homophones which makes for interesting puns ;-)[YSaerTTEW443543]

TOEIC listening, question-response: Is New York time ahead of us or behind us?[YSaerTTEW443543]

4

Thanks Luschen and Torsten for your help!

However, I read like this (in India) - What is at stake is my life ?
Is this completely wrong?

Thanks!

5

Hi Sureshvemuri. This is not wrong at all. “What is at stake is my life.” means that your life can be won or lost. This could mean you if you lose, you could die or it could mean your life could somehow be ruined.