at the stake

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the stake" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone being in a dangerous or vulnerable position. Example: The politician knew she was putting her reputation at the stake when she publicly condemned the controversial policy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Burning at the stake?

Independent

Burned at the stake".

The New York Times - Sports

A mass burning at the stake?

The Guardian - Music

Thousands were burned at the stake.

The New York Times - Books

Has she been burnt at the stake?

The Guardian

Has Cameron been burned at the stake?

The Guardian

Burned at the stake with the title character, his lover.

The New York Times

His body was then exhumed and burned at the stake.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For one, it means death at the stake.

Independent

Louis van Gaal should not be burned at the stake.

The Guardian - Sport

But we're not burning them at the stake.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the stake" in a figurative sense, ensure the context clearly conveys the high-stakes nature of the situation. For example, a politician putting their career "at the stake".

Common error

Avoid using "at the stake" in contexts where the historical association with execution by burning is inappropriate or insensitive. Be mindful of the phrase's strong connotations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the stake" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb, indicating the manner or place of execution or, figuratively, the condition of being at great risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the stake" is a grammatically sound and widely used prepositional phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its function ranges from describing historical executions to figuratively representing high-risk scenarios. Its usage is most prevalent in news and media, and the encyclopedic contexts. When writing, consider whether the historical connotations are appropriate for the intended audience and message. If the figurative usage does not convey the intended level of risk, then consider employing alternative phrases like "in peril" or "on the line".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in peril

This alternative emphasizes the danger and risk involved.

in jeopardy

This option focuses on the risk of loss or failure.

on the line

This phrase indicates that something is at risk of being lost.

in danger

This term simply expresses that someone or something is not safe.

at risk

This phrase is a general way to indicate that something is susceptible to harm.

under threat

This option highlights the presence of a potential danger.

exposed to danger

This describes an increased chance of experiencing harm or loss.

vulnerable

This term emphasizes a lack of protection or defense.

in harm's way

This phrase suggests being in a position where harm is likely.

at a disadvantage

This phrase signifies being in a position that makes success more difficult.

FAQs

How can I use "at the stake" in a sentence?

You can use "at the stake" to describe a literal historical event or, figuratively, to suggest that someone has a great deal riding on a decision or action. Example: "The reformer was burned "at the stake" for heresy."

What does it mean when something is "at the stake"?

When something is "at the stake", it signifies that it is in a position of great risk or potential loss. The phrase originates from the historical practice of executing individuals by burning them "at the stake".

What are some alternatives to saying "at the stake"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "in peril", "in jeopardy", or "on the line" to convey a similar meaning of risk or danger.

Is "at the stake" an idiom?

While "at the stake" is not strictly an idiom, it is a phrase with a strong figurative meaning rooted in historical practice. It conveys a situation where someone faces significant danger or potential loss.