phrasal verb
double down
DUH-buhl DOWN
Double down (phrasal verb) means to commit even more firmly to a position, strategy or claim, especially after it has been criticised or has started to go wrong. Example: “Rather than apologise, he doubled down on the accusation.”
phrasal verb
1
To commit even more firmly to a position, strategy or claim, especially after it has been criticised or has started to go wrong.
"Rather than apologise, he doubled down on the accusation."
"The company doubled down on its subscription model despite the falling numbers."
2
In blackjack, to double your original stake in exchange for exactly one more card.
"With eleven showing, she doubled down and drew a ten."
How to use double down
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIt means sticking to something harder instead of backing off.
When to use it
Neutral and very common in journalism and business writing. It often carries a hint of stubbornness, so it is rarely a compliment when used about a person defending a mistake.
Memory tip
The preposition is fixed: you double down *on* something, never double down *in* or *with* it.
Common pairings
double down on
doubled down on his claim
double down on investment
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Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for double down
See all rhymes for double down →Frequently asked questions
Where does the phrase double down come from?
It comes from blackjack, where a player may double the bet after seeing the first two cards and accept just one more card. The gambling move gave English a ready image for raising your commitment when the stakes are already on the table.
What is the difference between doubling down and being persistent?
Persistence is neutral praise for continuing towards a goal. Doubling down usually suggests you have been challenged and responded by committing harder rather than reassessing, so it often implies stubbornness.
Is double down one word or two?
Two words as a verb: they doubled down on the plan. When used before a noun as a modifier, it is normally hyphenated, as in a double-down strategy.
What is the meaning of double down?
"double down" (phrasal verb) means to commit even more firmly to a position, strategy or claim, especially after it has been criticised or has started to go wrong.
