raise the ante
idiomDefinition of raise the ante
1
: to raise the cost or price
The popular actor first demanded twice the salary offered him but then kept raising the ante.
2
: to increase the risk or possible harm that could result from something
—often + on The new law raises the ante on people who cheat on their taxes.
3
: to set a higher standard or goal
—often + on The film raises the ante on special effects.