Bet the farm/ranch on something Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use The phrase isn't about actual farms. It means risking a lot on one chance. She bet the farm on that stock, now she's anxious. Pro Tip 2/3High Stakes Using the phrase implies the outcome is very important to the person. He bet the ranch on winning the poker tournament. Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Risk Even if there's no physical farm, it expresses taking a significant risk. I'd bet the farm you'll love this movie.