[Idiom] DO A DOUBLE TAKE. - Explore the Art of Expressing Surprise
Do a double take.
/dʊ ə ˈdʌbəl teɪk/
To look at something twice because you are surprised.
The idiom "do a double take" is used when something surprising requires you to take a second look. It originates from performances where actors would react with such exaggerated surprise that they would literally take a second look at something. This phrase has found a place in everyday language to describe moments of astonishment that catch us off guard enough to reevaluate what was just seen or heard.
Example Sentences
I did a double take when I saw my friend in that outrageous outfit.
The sight of my friend in such an unusual outfit made me look twice in surprise.
She did a double take after hearing the surprising news.
Hearing such unexpected news made her look again or react in surprise.
Everyone did a double take when the CEO walked in with a new controversial policy.
The entry of the CEO with unexpected policy changes caused everyone to react with surprise.