🗣️ raise the stakes
The Mental Picture
Connected to Games & Gambling. Picture a poker player pushing a huge pile of valuable betting chips into the middle of the table, instantly increasing the amount of money everyone stands to win or lose.
🎧 How Fluent Speakers Use It
- "When the competitor launched a new feature, our company raised the stakes by offering a free trial."
- "The introduction of strict new regulations has raised the stakes for every business in the industry."
⚖️ Sound Natural
| ❌ Stilted / Direct L1 Translation | ✅ Natural Target Expression |
|---|---|
| "They increased the level of risk and competition significantly." | "They raised the stakes." |
🧩 Quick Self-Test
Test Yourself
What are the "stakes" in a situation described by this expression?
Show Answer
The "stakes" are the potential rewards you can win or the valuable things (time, money, reputation) you risk losing if you fail!