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

Wrap the vessel as is, or up the ante by filling it with seasonal sweets or an Amazon gift card. —Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2024

And then puts the onus back on producers to react in kind and up the ante. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 13 Sep. 2024

For an evening out, don’t hesitate to up the ante and wear your leopard loafers with a satin midiskirt and a glitter top. —Nuala Phillips, Glamour, 17 Oct. 2024

Even homes that cater to mulled and earthen hues tend to up the ante with luxurious textiles and materials in cozy, moody bedrooms. —Alia Akkam, Architectural Digest, 11 Oct. 2024