on the double

Idioms  

1. Very quickly, as in You'd better get here on the double. This expression, also put as at the double, came from the military, where it means “double time”—that is, marching twice as fast as normally. [Early 1800s]

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Example Sentences

From the dugout, Ebel immediately noticed Betts’ comfort-level on the double play, when he snared a one-hopper, ran to second himself and leaped over a sliding Cody Bellinger to make a throw to first base.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2023

That seemingly left the 26-year-old outfielder plenty of time to tack on the double that would enable him to join Hall of Fame members Brooks Robinson and Cal Ripken Jr. in the Orioles record book.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 22, 2022

There are considerable amounts of people, particularly on the double vaccination front, that are very sceptical about it, have not yet bought into it.

From BBC • Sep. 13, 2021

That means the agility and dexterity required for pivoting on the double play are, quite simply, in less demand.

From New York Times • Jul. 14, 2021

One officer under his command was ordered to withdraw from the town of Gordonsville, where he was on the brink of a signal victory, and march on the double to Staunton.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson