double take, do a

do a double take

To look twice due to surprise or disbelief. Everyone did a double take at his shiny new sports car as he drove by. Men and women alike did a double take when they saw him in his tuxedo. I did a double take when I saw my old high school science teacher at the grocery store.

See also: double, take

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

double take, do a

Show a delayed reaction to an unusual remark or circumstance; also, look at something or someone again. For example, He did a double take when his ex-wife appeared at his wedding. [1930s]

See also: double

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.