raise the stakes

Verb

Meaning

(poker) Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see raise,‎ stakes (used literally e. g. of a hand of poker)
With a royal flush, he decided to raise the stakes.

(idiomatic) to increase in significance or risk.
The bank robber decided to take a hostage in order to raise the stakes.

Source: en.wiktionary.org

Synonyms

escalate up the ante sweeten the pot

Examples

I think the perception of wealth and power is that things just become easier and easier when in reality as you raise the stakes things become more stressful. Sean Parker

Close letter words and terms

raise the specter raise the spectre raise the spirits raise the stink raise the value of raise the voice