double take
- 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.
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Origin of double take
An Americanism dating back to 1935–40
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for double-take
Contemporary Examples
The “Aduba double-take,” a phenomenon that fans of the show often fall victim to, is truly a testament to her feral performance.
‘Orange Is the New Black’ Star Uzo Aduba on Her Journey From Track Phenom to Crazy EyesMarlow Stern
June 11, 2014
I must have done a double-take, like the Navy pilot who sees a UFO outside his cockpit.
You'll notice yourself doing a double-take when you read this because it sounds like an elaborate prank from the Onion.
History's Vilest #SlatePitch Asks: Why Do We Bitterly Cling to Free Speech?Justin Green
September 26, 2012
Historical Examples
He thought of Bette, the inveterate explainer and double-take expert.
Pagan PassionsGordon Randall Garrett
Jerry started to sweat over the thing again, then suddenly did a double-take.
The Short LifeFrancis Donovan
The whistle came from his lips this time, as he did a double-take at the figure which confronted him.
Castle of TerrorE.J. Liston
My heart did a double-take; one slip and he'd be off into the gorge, and the frost stung, melting under his bare fingers.
A Matter of ProportionAnne Walker
double take
- (esp in comedy) a delayed reaction by a person to a remark, situation, etc
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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
Word Origin and History for double-take
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper