SINCE 1828
up the ante
idiomDefinition of up the ante
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.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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