Raise/up the ante
verb phrase
Increase what is at risk or the consideration in a situation or competition.
The competitor decided to raise the ante by adding his prize money to the bet.
Often appears as...
- decide to raise the ante
- suddenly raise the ante
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
Increase the level of something, typically in a situation or activity.
During the negotiations, the union decided to up the ante by demanding a higher wage increase.
Often appears as...
- decide to up the ante
- need to up the ante
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
Increase what is at risk or the consideration in a situation or competition.
The competitor decided to raise the ante by adding his prize money to the bet.
Often appears as...
- decide to raise the ante
- suddenly raise the ante
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
Increase the level of something, typically in a situation or activity.
During the negotiations, the union decided to up the ante by demanding a higher wage increase.
Often appears as...
- decide to up the ante
- need to up the ante
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Gambling Origin
The phrase comes from poker where players increase the bet, signaling higher risk and reward.
After winning the first round, he decided to raise the ante and challenge the experts.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Used outside gambling to mean increasing demands or challenges in any situation.
Seeing the other students' progress, she raised the ante on her study schedule.
Pro Tip 3/3Confrontational Nuance
May imply a challenge or provocation in a competitive environment.
The leader raised the ante by challenging his rivals to a public debate.
Pro Tip 1/3Gambling Origin
The phrase comes from poker where players increase the bet, signaling higher risk and reward.
After winning the first round, he decided to raise the ante and challenge the experts.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Used outside gambling to mean increasing demands or challenges in any situation.
Seeing the other students' progress, she raised the ante on her study schedule.
Pro Tip 3/3Confrontational Nuance
May imply a challenge or provocation in a competitive environment.
The leader raised the ante by challenging his rivals to a public debate.
Pro Tip 1/3Gambling Origin
The phrase comes from poker where players increase the bet, signaling higher risk and reward.
After winning the first round, he decided to raise the ante and challenge the experts.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Used outside gambling to mean increasing demands or challenges in any situation.
Seeing the other students' progress, she raised the ante on her study schedule.
Pro Tip 3/3Confrontational Nuance
May imply a challenge or provocation in a competitive environment.
The leader raised the ante by challenging his rivals to a public debate.
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