at stake
If something that is valuable is at stake, it is in a situation where it might be lost:
Thousands of lives will be at stake if emergency aid does not arrive in the city soon.

[TahlilGaran] Advanced Learner's Dictionary ▲

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

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

at stake
something that can be gained or lost; to be able to be won or lost, to be at risk
There was much at stake during the negotiations between the nurses and the government.

Much money was at stake during the negotiations for the oil pipeline.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

at stake
adj. phr. Depending, like a bet, on the outcome of something uncertain; in a position to be lost or gained.
The team played hard because the championship of the state was at stake.
The farmers were more anxious for rain than the people in the city because they had more at stake.
Compare: HANG IN THE BALANCE.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲