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double down

to commit even more strongly to a position

In Headline Expressions

In more detail

1. (idiom) to strengthen your commitment to a belief or course of action, especially when faced with criticism or opposition

2. (idiom) to double the amount of money you are risking in a bet or game

Examples

• 1. The company decided to double down on its environmental commitments despite the criticism.
• 2. After losing the first hand, he doubled down and lost more money.

How to use double down

This phrase is used when someone reinforces or escalates their commitment to something rather than backing away from it, often under pressure or in response to setbacks. It originally comes from gambling (the blackjack term) but is now common in politics, business, and everyday discourse. The term carries a sense of determination mixed with risk, implying the person believes deeply enough to increase stakes rather than fold.

Register: informal

Common phrases

• double down on a commitment
• double down on a strategy
• double down on a belief
• double down on your position
• double down despite criticism

Synonyms

intensify one's effort · press on · dig in · stand firm · persevere

Opposites

back down · retreat · abandon

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use it to mean simply 'continuing' or 'doing something twice' without the sense of escalation or increased commitment that the phrase conveys.

Nearby in Headline Expressions

moving the needle, a game changer, a race to the bottom, walk back, pass the buck, sit on the fence

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained