What does “Have a Lot Riding On (Something)” mean?

"Have a Lot Riding On (Something)" means to have a lot at stake or to have a significant amount of importance placed on something.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I have a lot riding on this job interview.

Example

The team has a lot riding on this game.

Example

She has a lot riding on her performance in the competition

Is “Have a Lot Riding On (Something)” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Have a Lot Riding On (Something)” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Have a Lot Riding On (Something)” effectively in context?

You can use "Have a Lot Riding On (Something)" to express that something is of great importance or that there is a lot at stake. It emphasizes the significance and impact that a particular situation or outcome has on someone. For example, if a friend is nervous about a job interview, you might say, 'I know you have a lot riding on this interview, but just be yourself and do your best.'

1Job Interview
She has been preparing for weeks because she has a lot riding on this job interview.
2Sports Game
The team has trained hard because they have a lot riding on this game.
3Competition
She has dedicated hours to practice because she has a lot riding on her performance in the competition.

Similar phrases to “Have a Lot Riding On (Something)”:

Put all one's eggs in one basket

To risk everything on a single opportunity or outcome

Example

He put all his eggs in one basket by investing all his savings in the stock market.

Hang in the balance

To be uncertain or undecided, with important consequences depending on the outcome

Example

The future of the company hangs in the balance as they await the court's decision.

Make or break

To determine success or failure, with significant consequences

Example

This project will make or break her career in the industry.

Bet the farm

To risk everything on a particular venture or decision

Example

He bet the farm on his new business idea, hoping for success.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Have a Lot Riding On (Something)” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Have a Lot Riding On (Something)" is unknown.

Is “Have a Lot Riding On (Something)” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Have a Lot Riding On (Something)" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to convey the importance and significance of a particular situation or outcome.

What tone does “Have a Lot Riding On (Something)” have?

"Have a Lot Riding On (Something)" conveys a tone of seriousness and importance. It implies that the outcome of a situation has a significant impact on someone's life or goals.

Can “Have a Lot Riding On (Something)” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Have a Lot Riding On (Something)" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of high stakes and importance. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as interviews, presentations, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He has a lot riding on this project and is determined to succeed.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I have a lot riding on this!' to express the significance of a situation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

have a lot at stake
put a lot of importance on
place great significance on
have a significant investment in
have a big interest in

Antonyms

have nothing at stake
not care about
be indifferent to
have no interest in
have no investment in