up the ante

これらふたつの表現は、以前ブログでとりあげられていましたが、up (or raise) the anteは「掛け金を上げる」こと、いよいよ大勝負に出だということですしたね。でも「聞く耳もたない」党員が多いというのは悲しいことです。（GP）
Noda ups the ante, but his talk falls on deaf ears
January 17, 2012

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda accused the opposition camp on Jan. 16 of placing more importance on political maneuverings than bringing Japan back from the brink of disaster.

He said only urgent reforms, including a higher consumption tax rate, would offer a way out.

But for all his tough talk at the ruling Democratic Party of Japan's annual convention in Tokyo, Noda's words appeared to fall mainly on deaf ears.

He again stressed the importance of multipartisan discussions on his administration's plan to raise the consumption tax rate from the current 5 percent, saying, "I hope the opposition will think about the consequences if they squash the legislation."

Noda indicated he was prepared to dissolve the Lower House and call a snap election if the opposition-controlled Upper House rejected the legislation.