AT STAKE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does at stake mean? 

• AT STAKE (adverb)
  The adverb AT STAKE has 2 senses:

1. in question or at issue

2. to be won or lost; at risk

  Familiarity information: AT STAKE used as an adverb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• AT STAKE (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In question or at issue

Context example:

there is more at stake than your modesty

Sense 2

Meaning:

To be won or lost; at risk

Context example:

perhaps a million dollars are at stake

 Context examples 

“Well, my own was at stake, you know,” said Holmes.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

My happiness, his happiness, our very lives are at stake!

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Don't think me immodest in thus talking about our wedding, for really I have my heart, all that I am, at stake.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

“I have a good deal at stake, nephew,” said he.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

A double issue seemed to rest upon their contest, for their personal fame was at stake as well as their party's honor.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

To-night. Same hour. Same place. Two taps. Most vitally important. Your own safety at stake.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

There are major interests at stake.

(Health threats caused by mobile phone radiation, EUROPARL TV)

Her whole happiness seemed at stake, while the affair was in suspense, and everything secured when it was determined that the lodgings should be taken for another fortnight.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

It had been real business, relative to the renewal of a lease in which the welfare of a large and—he believed—industrious family was at stake.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Are you disposed to pity me for what I must have suffered in opening the cause to him, for my suspense while all was at stake?

(Emma, by Jane Austen)