double down

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To double one's wager, particularly, the name of a specific doubling bet allowed in blackjack.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

He'd bet three thousand and double down to six thousand, all of it hanging on the turn of the next card.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To significantly increase a risk, investment, or other commitment; to respond to a challenge (e.g. to an opinion) by reinforcing or extending one's position rather than moderating it.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “double down” mean?

To double one's wager, particularly, the name of a specific doubling bet allowed in blackjack.

Is “double down” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.