double take
C1Informal, colloquial
Definition
Meaning
A delayed reaction to something surprising or unusual, typically shown by quickly looking back at it a second time.
Used metaphorically to describe any situation where someone needs a moment to process and react to unexpected information or a startling event.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily functions as a compound noun (do a double take). The verb form 'double-take' (hyphenated) is less common and typically used as an infinitive (e.g., He did a double take / He had to double-take).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or core usage. Spelling is consistent as 'double take' (noun) or 'double-take' (verb).
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a comedic, exaggerated, or cartoonish reaction. Often used to indicate a moment of surprise, confusion, or recognition.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American media (films, TV), but widely understood and used in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SUBJ + do/perform + a + double takeIt + caused + OBJ + a + double takeSUBJ + made + OBJ + do a double takeVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, used humorously in narratives: 'The CFO did a double take when he saw the unexpected profit margin.'
Academic
Extremely rare in formal writing. May appear in literary analysis of comedic timing or film studies.
Everyday
Common in spoken narratives to describe a funny or surprising moment: 'I had to do a double take when I saw my neighbour walking a pig.'
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He had to double-take when he saw the price on the menu.
- The audience collectively double-taked at the plot twist.
American English
- I definitely double-taked when my quiet coworker showed up with a mohawk.
- You'll double-take when you hear who got the promotion.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She did a double take when she saw her brother wearing a suit.
- The sudden noise made everyone at the table do a double take.
- The subtle reference in the document was so clever I had to do a double take to catch it.
- His impeccably fluent French caused the Parisian waiter to perform a noticeable double take.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a person seeing something shocking (TAKE 1), then their brain processes it, and they have to look again (TAKE 2). A DOUBLE TAKE is like a film director calling for a second shot because the first reaction wasn't enough.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERCEPTION IS A PHYSICAL ACT (of taking); SURPRISE IS A DELAYED PHYSICAL REACTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calques like 'двойной взгляд' or 'двойное принятие'. The established Russian equivalent is often 'не сразу сообразить' or 'замедленная реакция'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a regular verb without the noun structure (e.g., 'I double took' is non-standard). Confusing it with 'double-check' (which is for accuracy, not surprise).
Practice
Quiz
In which situation would someone most likely 'do a double take'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun, it is standardly written as two words: 'double take'. As a verb, it is often hyphenated: 'to double-take'.
It is primarily an informal, colloquial expression. It is rarely appropriate for formal academic or business reports, but can be used in narrative or creative writing.
A 'double take' implies an involuntary, surprised reaction. A 'second look' can be deliberate and considered, such as taking another look at a painting to appreciate it more.
Yes, but it is less common and considered informal. The structure 'to do a double take' is far more frequent and natural.