double take
1 of 1noun/ˈdʌ.bəl teɪk/
Forms:double takes
1
the act of quickly looking at something or someone twice, usually due to surprise, confusion, or disbelief
The idiom "double take" is originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It is used to describe the act of quickly looking at something and then immediately looking again in surprise or disbelief, often due to something unusual, unexpected, or remarkable.
- When I saw my friend's new, bright pink hair, I did a double take – it was such a dramatic change.
- I had to do a double take when I spotted a giraffe walking down the city street.
- The price of that luxury car was so unbelievably low that it made everyone passing by do a double take.
- Her outfit was so outlandish that people couldn't help but do double takes when she walked into the room.
- I did a double take when I saw my lost childhood toy on a shelf at the antique store; I couldn't believe my eyes.