double down

American  

[duhb-uhl doun] / ˈdʌb əl ˈdaʊn /

verb

1. Cards. (in blackjack) to double an initial bet, on the condition that one can be dealt only one more card.

   Will you double down and beat the dealer?

2. to increase one’s efforts or hold to a position or opinion, especially when vulnerable or taking a risk.

   He has continued to defend his controversial interpretation of the document, doubling down on what he sees as the truth.

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Etymology

Origin of double down

First recorded in 1625–35, in another sense

Example Sentences

Ramsey Suarez sliced a double down the left-field line as the ball landed less than a foot into fair territory.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026

Griffin said he would double down on his investments in Miami, though he is still heavily invested in a new development at 350 Park Avenue.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

Block topped expectations with its latest quarterly results, which management says validates the financial-technology company’s recent high-profile move to cut more than 40% of staffers and double down on artificial intelligence.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

Griffin said he would "double down" focusing on Miami to grow his business interests rather than Manhattan.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

He will turn a double down through the stoutest grass, and when the hay is raked away you will not find a spear left standing.

From In the Catskills Selections from the Writings of John Burroughs by Burroughs, John