bid in

To outbid someone at auction in an effort to retain ownership of a property or increase the price for which it ultimately sells. We were desperate to keep our house, so we tried to bid in when it went to auction. We had no luck, though. I know, the house has been in my family for generations. Unfortunately, I just don't have enough money to bid in and keep possession of it. Hey, if we bid in, at least we'll drive the price up on the person who ultimately ends up with the house.