raises the stakes
Increases the risk
To raise the stakes is to increase what can be won or lost in a situation—the potential rewards and risks both grow larger.
From gambling, where higher stakes mean more money on the table.
The phrase applies broadly to any situation where consequences become more serious: The discovery of weapons raises the stakes considerably.
A thriller or drama raises the stakes when characters face escalating dangers or higher costs for failure.
- gambleStake on uncertain outcome
- jeopardyRisk of harm
- escalationProgressive increase in intensity
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- brinkmanshipPushing conflicts to disaster's threshold
power play · poker · all in · high roller · bidding wars · tension · leverage · skin in the game · pressure · trade-offs · vulnerability · no turning back · determination · resolve · peril · anticipation · calculation · tactics
raises the stakesde-escalates
Reduces intensity or hostility
backs down · stands down · dials down · tamps down · pours cold water on
raises the stakesfolds
Bends upon itself
backs out · withdraws · walks away · throws in the towel · pulls out
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