Question 1

What does "ante up" mean?

Accepted Answer

To place your mandatory initial bet (the ante) in a card game, especially poker, so you can join the round.

Question 2

How do you use "ante up" in a sentence?

Accepted Answer

The dealer reminded everyone to ante up before she started dealing the cards.

Question 3

Is "ante up" formal or informal?

Accepted Answer

"ante up" is informal — used mainly in casual conversation. From poker terminology ('ante' is the mandatory opening bet). The figurative sense of paying or contributing is very common in business and everyday contexts. Widely used in American English; understood in British English. Often implies the stakes are significant.

ante up

Expressions associées

Plus avec "up"