1 C1 informal
To place the required initial bet (ante) in a card game such as poker in order to participate in the round.
"Everyone anted in before the dealer flipped the first card."
inseparable
ante in
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
To place your initial stake in a card game (especially poker) to enter the round, or figuratively to commit resources to something.
In plain English
Put your money in at the start of a card game to be allowed to play.
What does "ante in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To commit money, effort, or resources to a project or venture in order to participate.
"All three partners had to ante in before the startup could launch."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To place your ante (initial bet) into the pot at the start of a card game.
Actually means
Put your money in at the start of a card game to be allowed to play.
Usage tip
Less common than 'ante up'. Primarily a poker/gambling term. Used figuratively to mean committing money, effort, or resources to a venture. More common in American English.
Words that pair with "ante in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
poker game round pot stake bet
How to conjugate "ante in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
ante in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
antes in
he/she/it
Past simple
anted in
yesterday
Past participle
anted in
have + pp
-ing form
anting in
continuous
Hear "ante in" in the wild
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