IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishplay for high stakes
Meaning: To take part in something where a great deal can be won or lost.
Example: “In this election, both parties are playing for high stakes.”
Origin: The "stakes" are the money wagered in gambling. The figurative use is common from the 19th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Swedish: högt spel Literally: High game
More English idioms
- 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.
- wish the ground would swallow one up To feel so embarrassed that one wants to disappear.
- have one's head screwed on To be sensible and practical.
- a bird-brain A silly or scatterbrained person.
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- Testa quadrata A rigid, inflexible blockhead who refuses to see beyond their fixed ideas.
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