Welcome to our exploration of “double” idioms! Idioms are phrases where the words together have a different meaning than they do separately. Today, we’ll look at idioms that include the word “double.” These are fun to learn and can make your conversations more colorful!
Double Idioms
Here are 20 double idioms in English.
1. Double trouble
Meaning: More problems caused by a second factor.
Example: The twins are often double trouble at home.
2. Double down
Meaning: Increase one’s effort or focus.
Example: He doubled down on his studies.
3. Double up
Meaning: To share something.
Example: They doubled up on the project.
4. Double or nothing
Meaning: A gamble to win or lose everything.
Example: It’s double or nothing on this bet.
5. Double take
Meaning: A second look in surprise.
Example: She did a double take at the price.
6. Double back
Meaning: Return the way one came.
Example: He doubled back to grab his keys.
7. Double edged sword
Meaning: Something with both good and bad aspects.
Example: This plan is a double edged sword.
8. Double whammy
Meaning: Two problems at once.
Example: Losing job and car was a double whammy.
9. Double life
Meaning: Leading two separate lives.
Example: He was leading a double life.
10. Double duty
Meaning: To do two things simultaneously.
Example: This tool does double duty.
11. Double time
Meaning: To move very quickly.
Example: They marched in double time.
12. Double booking
Meaning: Scheduling two things at the same time.
Example: She accidentally double booked herself.
13. Double check
Meaning: Verify again for accuracy.
Example: Please double check your work.
14. Double fault
Meaning: Two consecutive errors in tennis.
Example: He lost the game on a double fault.
15. Double deal
Meaning: To cheat or deceive someone.
Example: He got caught double dealing.
16. Double standard
Meaning: Different rules for similar things.
Example: That’s a double standard.
17. Double cross
Meaning: To deceive or betray.
Example: She felt double crossed by her friend.
18. Double feature
Meaning: Two movies shown consecutively.
Example: We went to a double feature.
19. Double vision
Meaning: Seeing two images of one object.
Example: He complained of double vision.
20. Double digits
Meaning: Numbers 10 or greater.
Example: Sales increased to double digits.
