up the ante

up the ante

1. to raise the cost or risk of an activity. By adding new inspectors, the customs service is upping the ante for smugglers.

2. to increase the quality of something. Foxx says he intends to up the ante in nightclub entertainment by introducing new, extremely talented performers.

raise the stakes

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of up the ante (= to increase the amount of money each person must risk in a card game or other activity involving the risk of losing money)

See also: ante