To 'stake a claim' is to affirm ownership or declare a right to money or property. This is a phrase you will often hear in relation to legal disputes, land, property or copyright ownership. When you 'stake a claim' you imply that you have ownership over something or a portion of the proceeds or income generated by something.

1. The player staked a claim for a regular place in the side by scoring the winning goal in the previous match.
2. A small piece of land beside my property has been left unused for years. I don't think there would be any challenge to me staking a claim to it.

1. Laura has set about improving her communication skills as he looks to stake a claim for the vacant managerial position.
2. I think you would be well within your rights to stake a claim from the proceeds of the article you wrote.