If you up the ante, you increase your demands or the risks in a situation in order to achieve a better result: The government has upped the ante by refusing to negotiate until a ceasefire has been agreed to.

What does the phrase ante up mean?

Pay what is due, contribute; by extension, do one's share. For example, The trustees were asked to ante up $10,000 each for the new scholarship, or Tired of watching Joe sit around while they cleaned up, the roommates told him to ante up or move out.

Where does the phrase upping the ante come from?

The phrase originated in betting games like poker. The ante is the amount the player commit to before the game begins. When a player increases the amount, it is termed as upping the ante.