raise the stakes

raise the stakes

To increase the level of risk and/or potential reward in a particular situation. "Stakes" refers to one's level of involvement. They really raised the stakes in the employee art contest—first place gets a week of paid vacation! Let's raise the stakes, shall we? The loser can never set foot in this place again.
See also: raise, stake
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

raise the stakes

To increase one's commitment or involvement.
See also: raise, stake
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • find (one's) (own) level
  • find own level
  • finding
  • level (one's) locks
  • level one’s locks
  • level
  • on the level
  • level off
  • level up
  • level down