double down

USAGE SUMMARY

"double down" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an idiom used to express that one is betting heavily or doubling the stakes on something, usually in the context of a risky gamble or venture. For example, "After their first failed venture, the investors decided to double down and launch another product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

If you're not a fan of KFC's famous Double Down or the even-grosser Double Down hot dog, don't worry!

Huffington Post

Same with "Double Down".

The New Yorker

Do you double down?

The New Yorker

Alternatively, they can double down.

The New York Times

Double Down: Game Change 2012.

The Economist

Mr. Gehry decided to double down.

The New York Times

"It's important that we double down".

The New York Times

Double down on baby formula in Macau.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Bacon is the double-down option for meat lovers.

The New York Times - Books

Nixon decided to double-down and stonewall.

Huffington Post

We simply can't afford to double-down on trickle-down.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "double down" when you want to convey a strategic decision to reinforce a commitment, especially when facing challenges or uncertainty. For example, "Despite the initial setbacks, the company decided to "double down" on its marketing campaign."

Common error

Avoid using "double down" when the situation calls for de-escalation or a change of strategy. "Doubling down" implies increasing commitment to a course of action, which might not be suitable if the initial approach is fundamentally flawed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "double down" functions as a verb phrase, often used idiomatically to describe the act of reinforcing or intensifying a commitment to a course of action, even in the face of risk or opposition. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "double down" is a widely used verb phrase that means to reinforce a commitment, often in a risky situation. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and used across various domains, especially in News & Media. When considering its use, remember that alternatives like "go all in" or "increase investment" might be more appropriate depending on the specific context. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for many situations, but be mindful of the potential negative connotations associated with escalating risk.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go all in

Implies a complete and unwavering commitment, often in a single decisive action.

raise the stakes

Emphasizes the escalation of risk or potential reward in a situation.

increase commitment

Focuses on intensifying dedication rather than necessarily increasing financial risk.

increase investment

Specifically highlights the act of allocating more resources to a venture.

step up efforts

Indicates intensifying actions and activities toward a specific goal.

deepen involvement

Suggests a more profound level of participation and engagement.

expand resources

Focuses on enlarging the pool of available assets for a project.

pursue more vigorously

Emphasizes a renewed or intensified approach to achieving a goal.

reinforce efforts

Highlights strengthening existing work rather than initiating something new.

enhance dedication

Highlights improving the quality and intensity of one's commitment.

FAQs

How to use "double down" in a sentence?

You can use "double down" to describe intensifying commitment to something. For example, "The government decided to "double down" on renewable energy investments."

What does "double down" mean?

"Double down" means to reinforce one's commitment to a course of action, often one that is risky or facing opposition. It can also mean doubling a bet in blackjack.

What can I say instead of "double down"?

You can use alternatives like "go all in", "raise the stakes", or "increase commitment" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "double down" or change strategy?

Whether to "double down" or change strategy depends on the situation. If you believe in the underlying idea but are facing temporary setbacks, "doubling down" might be appropriate. However, if the fundamental assumptions are flawed, a change of strategy is necessary.