double down
Americanverb
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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?
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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.
"Now is a time to double down on friends and to double down on neighbours and to be working more closely together to provide for our collective security," he added.
From Barron's ● Oct. 29, 2026
Instead of surrendering to sticker shock, people are finding ways to gamify their daily expenses, hunt down hidden perks and even double down on their goals for the future.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 20, 2026
It’s all part of the company’s plan to double down on its IP.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2026
Natalie Berg, retail expert and founder of consultancy NBK Retail, suggests the Advantage card gives Boots "a unique understanding of their customers" and is an asset the new owners "will want to double down on".
From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026
If they miss, I cry fire again, and Privates Bantem and Grainger try their skill; then, at the double, down on the guns.
From Begumbagh A Tale of the Indian Mutiny by W. S. (Walter S.) Stacey
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
