raise the stakes
To increase in significance or risk.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“They decided to raise the stakes by betting more money.”
“The company raised the stakes by offering a huge bonus to whoever finishes the project first.”
“By publicly challenging his opponent to a televised debate, the candidate raised the stakes of an already tense election.”
- 01
pull up stakes
To prepare to move one's (usually temporary) habitation, especially rapidly.
- 02
raise Cain
Synonym of raise hell.
- 03
raise eyebrows
To cause surprise.
- 04
raise hell
To cause a considerable disturbance.
- 05
raise one's eyebrows
Of a person, to be surprised.
- 06
raise one's voice
To speak loudly, especially in anger.
- 07
raise someone's hackles
To annoy or anger someone.
- 08
raise someone's shag
To anger or annoy someone.
Last updated August 10, 2026