Up the ante
Suggest a CorrectionMeaning
To raise the stakes or demands, pushing higher.
Origin
From 19th-century America, tied to poker; 'ante' was the base bet, slang by 1850s for up. A 1865 'Atlantic Monthly' uses it for a risk jump.
Usage Examples
- He upped the ante with a bigger offer.
- She's upping the ante; more work now!
- Up the ante; let's make it tough.