Meaning of table stakes | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A rule whereby players are only allowed to bet the money they have on the table.
   plural, plural-only
2. The stake that a stakeholder must put up even just to earn a place at the table (a chance to compete), let alone ensure a win.
   figuratively, plural, plural-only
3. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see table, stakes.
   plural, plural-only

Examples

“So what makes people want⟳ to 'listen⟳' to a brand? Sounding like⟳ a human, ugh; that's table stakes. If that's all you can say⟳ about your social approach⟳, you're not trying hard enough.”

CEFR level