table stakes noun[plural only]2 •A rule whereby players are only allowed to bet the money they have on the table. •(figurative) 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.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. — 2016
