raise the ante

Idioms  

1. Increase the price or cost of something, as in We'd hoped to invest in some land, but they've raised the ante and now we can't afford it. This term alludes to the ante or stakes of gambling. [Slang; late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

His recent actions all raise the ante.

From Washington Post

Still, Swift’s new verses raise the ante, as well as the tension: “I’ve been played before if you hadn’t guessed.”

From New York Times

Some experts say that the North could dramatically raise the ante in weapons demonstrations after the end of February’s Winter Olympics in Beijing.

From Washington Times

But it could dramatically raise the ante once the Beijing Games end.

From Seattle Times

They relieve, heal and restore, because tomorrow will doubtless raise the ante again.

From New York Times