1 B2 neutral
In gambling (especially blackjack), to double one's initial bet after seeing the first card, in exchange for only one more card.
"He decided to double down on a soft 17, which is a risky move."
double down
B2 informal intransitive
To intensify one's commitment to a course of action or position, especially when under pressure.
In plain English
To try even harder or commit more strongly to something you are already doing, even when others tell you to stop.
What does "double down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To intensify one's commitment to a strategy, belief, or course of action, especially in the face of criticism or difficulty.
"Instead of apologising, the minister doubled down on his controversial remarks."
“
Rather than back down, he doubled down.
— The New York Times, reporting on political controversy, widely used formulation c. 2016–2020
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
In blackjack: to double your original bet in exchange for receiving exactly one more card.
Actually means
To try even harder or commit more strongly to something you are already doing, even when others tell you to stop.
Usage tip
Originally from blackjack (card game), where a player doubles their bet after seeing their first card. Now widely used in politics, business, and journalism. Very common in American media.
Words that pair with "double down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
rhetoric policy strategy position message bet
How to conjugate "double down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
double down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
doubles down
he/she/it
Past simple
doubled down
yesterday
Past participle
doubled down
have + pp
-ing form
doubling down
continuous
Hear "double down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "double down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.