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3. at stake

at stake

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at stake

In jeopardy of being won or lost, or in the process of being determined as a positive or negative outcome. My presentation needs to go perfectly—the big promotion is at stake. Our dream house is at stake here, so we need write the best possible offer.

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at stake

Fig. ready to be won or lost; at risk; hanging in the balance. That's a very risky investment. How much money is at stake? I have everything at stake on this wager.

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at stake

in danger of being lost About 3000 jobs are at stake if the company moves to another state.

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at stake

At risk to be won or lost, as in We have a great deal at stake in this transaction. This phrase uses stake in the sense of something that is wagered. Shakespeare used it in Troilus and Cressida (3:3): "I see my reputation is at stake." [Late 1500s]

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at stake

At risk; in question.

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