Double-take

Pronunciation: /ˈdəbəɫ- ˈteɪk/

Double-take (noun)

  1. A quick second look because something seems surprising, unclear, or not what you expected.

Examples

  • I gave it a double-take before I understood the sign.
  • She took a double-take when she saw the message.

Double-take (verb)

  1. To look again quickly after your first look, because something surprises you or does not seem right.

Examples

  • I double-took when the door opened so quietly.
  • He double-took at the strange handwriting on the note.