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

Jordan Woolery added to the scoring in the fifth inning with a two-run RBI double down the infield line, and Bri Alejandre hit a home run to center right field.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

The same dynamics have propelled the biggest AI chip buyers like Google, Amazon and Microsoft to double down on their own internal silicon programs that are now adding to the competitive field.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 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

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