stake horse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal / Idiomatic
Quick answer
What does “stake horse” mean?
To risk money on the success of a particular horse in a race.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To risk money on the success of a particular horse in a race.
To have a financial or personal interest in the success or failure of something or someone; to back or support something with the expectation of a return.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British English due to the cultural prominence of horse racing. In American English, the gambling connotation might be more prominent.
Connotations
Both varieties share core connotations of risk and backing. In British English, it might also carry a slight nuance of traditional sport.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties; more likely found in informal speech, sports/gambling contexts, or metaphorical use in business/politics.
Grammar
How to Use “stake horse” in a Sentence
[Subject] stakes a horse on [Event/Outcome][Subject] stakes [Amount] on a horseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stake horse” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's staked a fair bit on that horse in the 3:30 at Ascot.
- I wouldn't stake my last penny on that nag.
American English
- He staked $50 on a horse named Lucky Charm.
- Are you really going to stake your bonus on a long shot?
adverb
British English
- N/A for the phrase 'stake horse' as an adverb.
American English
- N/A for the phrase 'stake horse' as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A for the phrase 'stake horse' as an adjective.
American English
- N/A for the phrase 'stake horse' as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphor for investing resources in a particular project or strategy ('We're staking our horse on the new marketing campaign.').
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical or sociological texts about gambling or risk.
Everyday
Used literally regarding horse racing or metaphorically for everyday choices ('I'm staking my horse on the weather being good for the picnic.').
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields outside of specific gambling industry terminology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stake horse”
- Using it as a noun phrase ('He is my stake horse.') instead of a verb phrase. Confusing with 'dark horse'. Using 'steak horse' (spelling error).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a two-word verb phrase. 'Stake' is the verb and 'horse' is the direct object.
Yes, it is commonly used metaphorically to mean committing to or backing any person, idea, or project with an expectation of success.
They are largely synonymous in the literal sense. 'Stake a horse' can sound slightly more idiomatic or old-fashioned, and 'stake' more directly implies risking money or something of value.
It is informal. In formal writing, 'invest in', 'support', or 'wager on' would be more appropriate depending on the context.
To risk money on the success of a particular horse in a race.
Stake horse: in British English it is pronounced /steɪk hɔːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /steɪk hɔːrs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't stake the farm on it.”
- “That's not a horse I'd stake my reputation on.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine literally tying (staking) your money to a specific horse before a race. Your fortune goes where the horse goes.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A GAMBLE / SUPPORT IS A WAGER
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, 'to stake your horse on something' most closely means: