Lot Riding On Something, a

Meaning Of Idiom ‘A Lot Riding On Something’

To have a lot riding on something means to be depending on something because you need it to succeed, especially something you have put a lot of time, effort, or money into; having a significant amount (time, money, etc) dependant on a particular outcome.

This idiom is based on the phrasal verb ride on, meaning ‘to depend on someone or something.’ For example, “The success of the whole project is riding on you.” In other words, “The success of this whole project depends on you.” 1“Ride on (something or someone).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ride%20on%20%28something%20or%20someone%29. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

A specific noun, preceded by the preposition ‘of’ can be inserted between ‘a lot’ and ‘riding.’ For example, “There’s a lot of money riding on this.”

Sentence Examples

“I can’t lose this bet. I have a lot riding on it. I used all my rent money!”

“I have to write the best essay of my life. There’s a lot riding on it. If I can’t get into a good college, I don’t know what I’ll do.”

“Don’t worry, Dave will come through. He has a lot riding on this, too.”

“There’s a lot of money riding on this, Will. You only get one shot.” — Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

“I had a lot riding on that match, you know. Financially and personally. Why did you choke out there that day, Baumer?” — The Royal Tenenbaums (2002)

“I’ve got a half a million sunk in your campaign and a lot more riding on the result. So why don’t you just tell me how you’re going to win this thing? — Broken City (2013)

“There is a lot of money riding on this Chihuahua, do you understand? They cannot find her before we do.” — Beverly Hills Chihuahua (2008)

“I got a lot riding On this audition. I don’t have a backup plan.” —  The Voice (2011)

Origin

The earliest printed use of the phrasal verb/idiom ‘ride on’ was from a 1952 edition of Popular Science. The phrase may older, however.

Most likely, this phrase comes from wagering on horse races. As jockeys were ‘riding on’ the horses, gamblers thus had a lot ‘riding on’ their success.

‘A lot’ was added as an intensifier sometime later to refer to a large amount of something.

More Gambling Related Idioms