up the ante

idiom

1

: to raise the cost or price

The popular actor first demanded twice the salary offered him but then kept upping the ante.

2

: to increase the risk or possible harm that could result from something

—often + on

The new law ups the ante on people who cheat on their taxes.

3

: to set a higher standard or goal

—often + on

The film ups the ante on special effects.

Examples of up the ante in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hardwired | Dimensions: 15 x 13.75 x 13.75 inches | Minimum and Maximum Height: 15 and 17.13 inches Best Under $500 Ready to up the ante with your kitchen design? —Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025

And though, really, every day is a day to celebrate your mom, that special Sunday in May is the time to up the ante. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 4 May 2025

Despite some behind-the-scenes shakeups, the show's new season will up the ante by super-sizing its cast with several notable names. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 30 May 2025

There’s reason to think that next year’s celebration will up the ante. —Amy S. Greenberg, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025

Rhymes for up the ante

• chianti
• anti
• auntie
• canty
• fanti
• grantee
• panty
• scanty
• shanty
• vigilante