up the ante

verb4

1. •
   To raise the stakes of a hand of poker.

   • With three aces and two jacks, he thought it was safe to up the ante.
2. •
   Of a dispute, to take an action that raises the stakes, i.e. that increases the chances of conflict.
3. •
   To render something more difficult.

   • When runners cross-train for events, they often up the ante by running on sand.
4. •
   To render something more desirable.

   • The school system cannot raise teachers' salaries, so they are providing better benefits as an effort to up the ante.