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Glite Dictionary
to double down

to double down

53 6.5
To try harder to continue something even when people disagree or it is risky
  • phrasal verb
  • /ˈdʌbəl daʊn/
  • Informal
translation icon : redoblar la apuesta
  • My guess is that the GOP will double down on their extremism.

Now they may double down again with threats.

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Examples

  • We're also gonna double down on the advertising budget.

    Jobs (2013)

  • to me, that is the reason to double down on the thing that makes you unique.

    Evan Carmichael

  • This is a chance to double down and be twice as right.

  • And so you have to double down on your needs.

  • So of course I'm going to double down on what works.

  • I'm going to double down on my prayer time for this America I love.

    Blog text (7)

  • You see much greater gains by trying to double down on your strengths.

  • For whatever reason, Secretary Clinton chose to double down on misleading the American people.

    Blog text (7)

  • Politicians are doubling down on what they said in the beginning and digging themselves in holes further and further.

    Envoy: Shark Cull (2021)

  • In response to criticism, the CEO decided to double down on their innovative approach despite the risks.

Synonyms

to go all in
vsto double down
  • Informal
15 5.2

Put all your time, money, and effort into one plan

is about firm continued commitment despite risk or opposition
to hold firm
vsto double down
9 4.5

To refuse to change your opinion or decision despite pressure

adds the idea of actively increasing commitment rather than just staying fixed
to hunker down
vsto double down
  • Informal
2 7.7

To refuse to change your mind and stay firm

involves actively strengthening commitment to a chosen course despite risk
to triple down
vsto double down
  • Informal
1 7.5

To increase effort or commitment after a problem, often despite risk

strengthens commitment generally, even when opposed or at risk
to throw one's cap over the windmill
vsto double down
  • Archaic
9.9

To make a big decision you cannot change that may be risky

means to intensify commitment over time rather than only decide once
to throw one's hat over the wall
vsto double down
  • UK
9.9

To decide to start something difficult and not change your mind

focuses on strengthening ongoing commitment despite opposition or danger
to throw one's hat over the fence
vsto double down
  • Informal
9.4

To decide to do something difficult and not stop

emphasizes increasing commitment even when facing risk or opposition

Antonyms

to give up
∞ 1.2

To stop trying to do something or accept defeat

How Committed

to entrench
45 6.7
to double down
  • Informal
53 6.5
to commit
706 3.4
to hesitate
318 2.5

Surface Forms

double down infinitive
doubled down past
doubled down past participle
doubling down present participle
doubles down third person singular

Morphology

double + down

The verb 'double' conveys an increase, so learners may infer a sense of intensifying or doing more, which gives a partial clue to the MWE meaning. However, the specific sense of stubbornly increasing commitment despite risk (a metaphorical extension from the gambling term) is not fully predictable from 'double' + 'down' and typically requires exposure, so it is only partly transparent to B1 learners.

Etymology

Double down may come from the card game blackjack, where a player doubles their bet and takes one more card. So, like putting more money 'at risk' in the game, to double down today means to make a stronger 'commitment' or keep going even when it is risky.