🔝 Up the Ante: Raising the Stakes and Dialing Up Success
Definition
To increase the price or cost of something in order to achieve a better result.
Origin & Historical Context
Dating from the late 1800s, the term alludes to the stakes of gambling, where the ante means the stake each player must put into the pool before new cards are dealt. It started as a literal term in poker games but soon transitioned into everyday language as a metaphor for upping investment or effort to achieve greater rewards.
Example
“They are raising the ante in what it takes to become a certified analyst.”
Related Terms & Similar Expressions
- Raise the Stakes: Adding more risk or investment to a situation.
- Double Down: Intensify one’s commitment to a certain approach or course of action.
- Bet the Farm: Risk everything one owns on a venture.
- Go All Out: Put in the maximum effort or give one’s all.
Proverbs & Common Phrases
- High stakes, high reward: You must risk a lot to achieve a lot.
- No guts, no glory: Bravery is required for achievement.
- Fortune favors the bold: Taking risks often results in success.
Synonyms
- Increase the stakes
- Raise the investment
- Amp up
Antonyms
- Lower the stakes
- Play it safe
- Dial it down
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “If at first you don’t succeed, skydiving is not for you.” — Steven Wright
- “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky (made humorous by the myriad of life’s awkward attempts)
Inspirational Literature & Films
- The Gambler by Fyodor Dostoevsky: A novel centered around the dangers and allure of gambling and raising stakes.
- Casino Royale by Ian Fleming: Features high-stakes gambling scenes.
Intriguing Song
- 🎵 The Gambler by Kenny Rogers: A classic that metaphorically talks about life’s highs and lows in terms of gambling.
### Which of these is a legitimate phrase used to mean taking a bigger risk to achieve something greater?
- [x] Up the ante
- [ ] Bowling for treasures
- [ ] Snorkeling in gravy
- [ ] Dancing in quicksand
> **Explanation:** "Up the ante" is a commonly known phrase coming from the world of gambling and means to increase risks or investments to achieve more significant rewards.
### True or False: 'Raising the ante' means to reduce risks.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** 'Raising the ante' means increasing stakes or risks, not reducing them.
### Which of these phrases does NOT mean the same as 'up the ante'?
- [x] Lay back
- [ ] Raise the stakes
- [ ] Bet the farm
- [ ] Double down
> **Explanation:** 'Lay back' implies relaxing or reducing effort, which is the opposite of 'upping the ante.'
🔥 “For every stake raised, there’s a new chance at fortune’s favor.” — Anonymous
Python Publications, 2023
