play for high stakes

Meaning: To take part in something where a great deal can be won or lost.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Example: “In this election, both parties are playing for high stakes.”

Category: Daily Life

Origin: The "stakes" are the money wagered in gambling. The figurative use is common from the 19th century.

Equivalents in other languages

take liberties — To behave too freely or presumptuously.
give someone what for — To scold or punish someone severely.
like talking to a brick wall — Speaking to someone who does not listen or respond.
have a thing for someone — To be attracted to someone.
a vicious circle — A situation where one problem causes another, which makes the first worse.
a ballpark figure — A rough estimate.

cool as a cucumber — Very calm, especially under pressure.
in broad daylight — Openly, during the day, when anyone could see.
not my circus, not my monkeys — It's not my problem, so I'm staying out of it.
too many cooks spoil the broth — When too many people work on something, the result is worse.
birds of a feather flock together — People with similar interests or character tend to spend time together.
wish the ground would swallow one up — To feel so embarrassed that one wants to disappear.

Pareces un pulpo en un garaje — You're completely out of place — flailing around uselessly in an environment that makes n…
Che rompiscatole — What an insufferable pest — someone who endlessly pesters and never lets you be.
Testa quadrata — A rigid, inflexible blockhead who refuses to see beyond their fixed ideas.