💸 Ante Up, to: Pay Your Dues in Life’s Poker Game 🎰
Definition
Ante up, to: To pay what is due, to contribute one’s share.
Origins
This phrase has its roots in the world of poker and other gambling games, where ante refers to a contribution made to the pot before the cards are dealt. The term segued into broader usage in the mid-nineteenth century.
Usage Example
- In a New York Times editorial on June 17, 2010, the headline “BP Begins to Ante Up” referred to British Petroleum starting to offer reparation for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
Related Terms
- Raise the Ante: To increase the level of a stake, commitment, or risk.
- Chipping In: To contribute one’s portion or effort.
- Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is: To take action to support one’s statements.
Similar Expressions in Literature and Media
- “Pony up”: Often used to mean paying money that is owed, like a reluctant cowboy handing over his golden coins.
Notable Quotes
“Life’s a game. All you have to do is know how to play it." — Mae West
Synonyms
- Contribute
- Pay up
- Fork over
- Shell out
Antonyms
- Withhold
- Hoard
Related Proverbs & Common Phrases
- “No such thing as a free lunch.”
- “Put your shoulder to the wheel.”
- “Many hands make light work.”
Literature, Books, and References
- Books: The Big Blind by Nico Claux, The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
- Songs: “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers, “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga
- Movies: Rounders (1998), Casino Royale (2006)
Fun Fact
Did you know? The original phrase was used primarily in poker! In a high-stakes game, folks would “ante up” to add some thrill. 🃏
### To "ante up" originally comes from which activity?
- [x] Gambling games
- [ ] Baking contests
- [ ] Astronomy
- [ ] Bird watching
> **Explanation:** The phrase "ante up" has its origins in gambling games, especially poker, where players need to contribute to the pot before the cards are dealt.
### Which phrase means to increase the level of a stake?
- [ ] Setting the scene
- [x] Raising the ante
- [ ] Reaching for the stars
- [ ] Hugging the baseline
> **Explanation:** "Raising the ante" means increasing the context, whether in terms of stakes in gambling or disseminating other forms of competition or commitments.
### True or False: 'Ante up' means to withdraw your contribution.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. 'Ante up' means to pay your share or contribute, not withdraw it.
### Which phrase is a synonym for "ante up"?
- [ ] To hoard
- [x] To pony up
- [ ] To withhold
- [ ] To pocket
> **Explanation:** "To pony up" is another idiomatic way of saying to pay what one owes.
### If a headline reads “Company X raises the ante,” what does it imply?
- [ ] Company X is reducing its investments.
- [ ] Company X is starting a walk-a-thon.
- [x] Company X is increasing its risk, commitment, or investment.
- [ ] Company X is making animal autopsies.
> **Explanation:** When a company "raises the ante," it usually means they are increasing their level of investment, efforts, or risks in a venture.
Stay lucky and keep on betting wisely in the game of life! Remember, sometimes you have to ante up to win the pot. 🎲💼
—Wesley Gambles
