high-stakes gamble
noun phraseUK /ˌhaɪ ˈsteɪks ˈɡæm.bəl/
US /ˌhaɪ ˈsteɪks ˈɡæm.bəl/
A choice where you could win or lose a lot.
Betting all his savings on the new shop was a high-stakes gamble.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A game or bet where large amounts of money can be won or lost.
The poker final was a high-stakes gamble with millions on the table.
3. A business or political decision that could bring great success or total failure.
Launching the product early was a high-stakes gamble for the company.
4. Any situation where the outcome matters enormously and failure is costly.
Climbing the mountain without a guide felt like a high-stakes gamble.