Meaning of el poder

Question

ya que me estoy jugando el poder participar en las próximas olimpiadas.

Does this mean “since i am playing to be able to participate in the next Olympics”. If so is “el” before “poder” necessary or could it be removed and still be correct?

Thanks

Shirley

Accepted Answer

Hola Shirley
Yes, you can remove the article - this use of the definite article with the infinitives is emphatic, it presents what is expressed by the infinitive as a "fact", more real. In fact we could actually say "me estoy jugando el hecho de poder participar en las próximas olimpiadas"
The use of the article is quite common with auxiliary verbs like poder. 
Saludos
Inma

Answer

Buenas tardes Shirley ..."Jugarse" can also mean "to bet" or even "to gamble". Thus, here we might offer a translation like: "I am staking my reputation on being able to participate ..." - or [extending the interpretation?]: "I am counting on being able to participate ..."I would be very reluctant to remove the 'el' before 'poder'; [it is an infinitive being used as a noun-object (accusative case)].Regards, David M

Answer

Actually, it looks as if you can remove the "el" before "poder", judging by the sentence:"Al mirar por la ventana, contemplaría llover intensamente y vería llegar a mis vecinos..."in B2 writing exercise "What would your perfect winter afternoon be like?"

Answer

The phrase could be translated as "as I'm gambling with the chance to participate in the next Olympics."