Phrase guide

raise the stakes

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To increase in significance or risk.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • The bank robber decided to take a hostage in order to raise the stakes.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see raise, stakes (used literally e. g. of a hand of poker)

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: card-games, poker

Examples

  • With a royal flush, he decided to raise the stakes.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.