stake reputation on

stake (one's) reputation on (someone or something)

To invest in, vouch for, promote, guarantee, etc., someone or something at the risk of sullying one's reputation should they or it fail to live up to expectations. Ever since my grandfather founded this company in 1947, we have staked our reputation on putting customer satisfaction above all else. You're asking me to stake my reputation on someone with no experience and no formal education just because you've got a hunch that they'll do well in my law firm?See also: on, reputation, stake

stake one's reputation on someone or something

to risk harming one's reputation on someone or something. Of course Denise is great. I will stake my reputation on her! It may be so, but I wouldn't stake my reputation on it.See also: on, reputation, stake