Synonyms

double take

American

noun

a rapid or surprised second look, either literal or figurative, at a person or situation whose significance had not been completely grasped at first.

His friends did a double take when they saw how much weight he had lost.

double take British

noun

(esp in comedy) a delayed reaction by a person to a remark, situation, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of double take

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He raised his head, opened one eye, did a perfect double take—both eyes opening wide—and sat up.

From Literature

Except I have to do a double take, because it’s not Mom.

From Literature

Something in your column made me do a double take.

From MarketWatch

It was a sight that prompted even seasoned wildlife watchers to do a double take: A coyote swimming in San Francisco Bay a quarter of a mile off Angel Island.

From Los Angeles Times

Before you reach for your snack drawer, you might want to do a double take.

From Salon

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023