Up the ante

Verb

Definitions

1.VerbTo raise the stakes of a hand of poker.

"With three aces and two jacks, he thought it was safe to up the ante."

2.VerbOf a dispute, to take an action that raises the stakes, i.e. that increases the chances of conflict.

3.VerbTo render something more difficult.

"When runners cross-train for events, they often up the ante by running on sand."

4.VerbTo render something more desirable.

"The school system cannot raise teachers' salaries, so they are providing better benefits as an effort to up the ante."

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