Expressions
What does ‘betting big’ mean?
Betting big on something means committing to it by putting in time, effort or trust that it will work out. Today, the expression is mainly used figuratively, such as when a company puts its faith in a product or a coach backs a young player.
From the gaming table to everyday life
The expression comes from gambling, where betting big meant risking a lot on a hand. In everyday language, it has lost its association with money and kept the idea of commitment.
Examples
- ‘The council is betting big on culture.’
- ‘We’re betting big on this project.’
At our tables
In games involving wagers, such as Mus (a Basque card game), players propose a wager or issue an órdago (an all-in challenge), but they are playing for points, not money. That’s how we see it at Lascuarenta: why we’re not a casino.
Find more related phrases in expressions that come from card games.
Frequently asked questions
Does betting big involve money?
Not necessarily: today, it is mainly used to mean making a strong commitment to something.
What does envidar (proposing a wager) mean in Mus?
It means proposing a wager of points during a phase of the game.