upping the uncl
Reducing the incentive for someone to comply by offering a less-attractive reward if he consents to your wishes.
"Upping the ante" can sometimes actually be "upping the uncl" --- creating reluctance rather than willingness --- for a wise/prudent person, since he may become suspicious as to why you are trying to bribe him so generously for performing a seemingly-minor/mundane action.
upping the uncl by QuacksO July 20, 2026