double down

[duhb-uhl doun]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb

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?
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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Word History and Origins

Origin of double down¹

First recorded in 1625–35, in another sense

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But the killing of Iranian nuclear scientists in the attack, and the apparent wounding of one of the negotiators, may convince Tehran to double down on a path toward a nuclear weapon as the only means of a deterrence against Israel, especially if it suspects U.S. involvement.

From

"As we edge closer to the High Seas Treaty coming into force, governments need to double down - using both transparency and new technologies - to safeguard the ocean," he added.

From

"It's just very foolish to double down on this type of tariff in particular."

From

But Lauren Allred singled to lead off the fifth for Texas Tech’s first hit before Canady helped herself with a double down the right field line to put runners at second and third with one out.

From

The same federal government that is having hair-raising difficulty with basic functions like air traffic control, is now looking to spend billions to double down on rounding up immigrants.

From

Double, double toil and trouble; / Fire burn, and cauldron bubble double dresser

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