ante up

Idioms and Phrases

Pay what is due, contribute; by extension, do one's share. For example, The trustees were asked to ante up $10,000 each for the new scholarship , or Tired of watching Joe sit around while they cleaned up, the roommates told him to ante up or move out . This expression comes from poker and other betting games, where to ante signifies making a bet or contribution to the pot before the cards are dealt. It was being used more loosely by the mid-1800s. Also see raise the ante .

Example Sentences

Nelson and other researchers fear their projects could be left behind if the U.S. government doesn’t ante up a similar bolus of funding.

From Science Magazine

He’s also blossomed into the type of superstar at a premium position that there’s little doubt the Vikings will ante up.

From Washington Times

“The arrangement was that we didn’t have to pay rent the first year. After that it was a few hundred dollars a month,” said Weiss, who was happy to ante up.

From Seattle Times

Indeed, the teams likely to compete for the World Series title are the ones that spend lavishly on payroll, and small-market clubs that choose not to ante up are unlikely to challenge them.

From Washington Post

Tickets cost $30,000-plus, but that doesn't mean the stars ante up.

From Fox News

Related Words

• accord
• allow
• award
• commit
• deliver
• donate
• grant
• hand out
• hand over
• permit
• present
• provide
• sell
• turn over