"Double down" means to become more determined in a position, belief, or action, especially in the face of opposition or evidence to the contrary. It can also mean to double your bet in blackjack in exchange for only one more card. Figuratively, the phrase is often used to describe someone who, instead of backing down, takes a riskier or more zealous approach.
Beside the Blackjack card game, in general it is used to increase determination, to become more resolute or committed to an undertaking, even when it's difficult.
Example: "Instead of learning from his mistakes, he doubled down on his plan".
Also to reinforce a belief: To argue for or believe in something even more strongly when challenged, a concept related to cognitive dissonance.
Example: Ontario Premier Doug Ford doubled- down on his anti-U.S. tariff ad despite Prime Minister Mark Carney says trade talks were making progress up until the campaign aired.
In other contexts
- "Double Down" has been the name of various products, including a sandwich from KFC, which used two pieces of fried chicken in place of a bun.
- The term is used in the titles of films, TV episodes, and books, such as the movie Double Down (2020) or the Diary of a Wimpy Kid book Double Down.
- It's also the name of a popular social casino app, DoubleDown™ Casino.
