up the ante

To make a disagreement more serious by doing something that increases the risk of conflict.

• The new threat upped the ante.
• Both sides are upping the ante in this dispute.
• Sending troops would up the ante further.

How to use it: up the ante by doing something (The government upped the ante by threatening new sanctions.)

Similar words: escalate, raise the stakes

Opposites: de-escalate

Common phrases: up the ante further, up the ante politically

To make an activity or challenge harder.

• This extra task will up the ante.
• The coach upped the ante with longer runs.
• Try upping the ante by training on hills.

How to use it: up the ante by doing something (She upped the ante by adding heavier weights.)

Similar words: raise the difficulty, raise the bar

Common phrases: up the ante considerably, up the ante physically

To increase the money players must put in before a round of cards.

• The players agreed to up the ante.
• We upped the ante to ten dollars before the next hand.
• Will everyone stay if we up the ante?

How to use it: up the ante to an amount (They upped the ante to five dollars.)

Similar words: raise the stakes

Common phrases: up the ante again, up the ante slightly

To make an offer more attractive by adding something better or more valuable.

• A bigger bonus would up the ante.
• The employer upped the ante by offering free housing.
• They are upping the ante to attract experienced staff.

How to use it: up the ante with something (The company upped the ante with a larger signing bonus.)

Similar words: sweeten the deal, improve the offer

Common phrases: up the ante financially, up the ante substantially