double down

[ duhb-uhl doun ]

verb

1. Cards. (in blackjack) to double an initial bet, on the condition that one can be dealt only one more card:

   Will you double down and beat the dealer?

2. to increase one’s efforts or hold to a position or opinion, especially when vulnerable or taking a risk:

   He has continued to defend his controversial interpretation of the document, doubling down on what he sees as the truth.

Word History and Origins

Origin of double down¹

First recorded in 1625–35, in another sense

Example Sentences

“It’s time to switch enemies: ‘Let’s double down on transgenderism.

From Slate

“We’ve been here before — and we’re here to double down on our conservation work, which is more imperative than ever.”

From Los Angeles Times

To the extent that there is any coherence to the Trump platform on science, it is that it will double down on policies that will make Earth harder to inhabit for future generations, not to mention the ongoing “biological holocaust” happening to the natural world.

From Salon

A few he peppers with rapid-fire refutations attempting to show why their reasons don't align with fact, but one gets the sense he isn't trying to win a debate as much as grant his subjects an opportunity to double down.

From Salon

Trump’s victory might mean closing a window of opportunity to avoid dangerous climate impacts “if we do not fight back and double down our effort to curb CO2 emissions,” Fu said.

From Los Angeles Times