idioms

Dear Teachers

could you please explain to me the following words and idioms which i came across while reasding in the Cobuild Dictionary for Idioms

They are : at stake, on a high note as you can see them in the following
exampels :


1- But for the presedent there is more at streets - his whole political future could go up in smoke

2- Terry Wagon is determided to *beep* a snook at the critics and go out on a high note.

thanks

[RonBee]

The phrases at stake and on a high note are common English expressions. If somebody has a lot at stake he has a considerable investment in something and has a lot to lose. Somebody who wants to go out on a high note wants to leave an indelible impression, or lasting memory of himself.

Does that help?

:)