# up the ante

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/up-the-ante
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- They decided to up the ante by doubling the bet.
- The company decided to up the ante by offering a much higher salary to attract the best candidates.
- By threatening to withdraw all funding, the board members chose to up the ante in their ongoing struggle for control of the organization.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.