ENGLISH
REFERENCE

raise the stakes

idiom
Meaning

To increase in significance or risk.


Examples
SIMPLE

They decided to raise the stakes by betting more money.

CONTEXTUAL

The company raised the stakes by offering a huge bonus to whoever finishes the project first.

COMPLEX

By publicly challenging his opponent to a televised debate, the candidate raised the stakes of an already tense election.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    pull up stakes

    To prepare to move one's (usually temporary) habitation, especially rapidly.

  2. 02

    raise Cain

    Synonym of raise hell.

  3. 03

    raise eyebrows

    To cause surprise.

  4. 04

    raise hell

    To cause a considerable disturbance.

  5. 05

    raise one's eyebrows

    Of a person, to be surprised.

  6. 06

    raise one's voice

    To speak loudly, especially in anger.

  7. 07

    raise someone's hackles

    To annoy or anger someone.

  8. 08

    raise someone's shag

    To anger or annoy someone.

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