At stake means on the line, could be won or lost. It names what depends on the outcome: The club's future is at stake in this decision. Most often it's reputation, money, jobs or a victory. The question What is at stake? means 'what could we lose?'.
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something valuable + be + at stake / what is at stake
- The club's future is at stake in this decision.
- More than a trophy is at stake; the winner also gets a place in the final.
- We need to understand what is at stake before we vote.
What changed
First versionThe club's future is on stake.
RevisionThe club's future is at stake.
On the line and on the table both use on, so on stake looks natural. But this expression takes a different preposition: at stake. With on changed to at, it's the fixed phrase.
At risk means in danger, about something under threat: The old bridge is at risk. At stake is about what a particular decision or contest could cost: A lot is at stake. High stakes means a lot could be won or lost, and here stakes is plural.
Your turn
The decision could cost them their reputation: Their reputation is ___ stake.
Show the answer
at — The fixed expression is at stake, with at. On stake isn't used.
Your team is playing the deciding match of the season. Say what's on the line in one sentence with at stake.
A place in the national final is at stake in tomorrow's match.
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