double down
Americanverb
-
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?
-
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.
Etymology
Origin of double down
First recorded in 1625–35, in another sense
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.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen said it would double down on its transformation plans, improving vehicle manufacturing costs, cutting overhead costs, boosting plant efficiency and speeding technology development and decision-making.
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
The most effective way for the sector to pad its margins is to double down on looking, and functioning, like a sizable version of your phone.
From Slate • May 3, 2026
I felt I was producing a bad impression, but with my double down there it was most trying to be on deck.
From The Secret Sharer by Conrad, Joseph
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
