double booked: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘double booked’ mean?
An idiom, *double booked*, means when someone accidentally schedules two or more appointments or events at the same time.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "on the double" means to do something quickly or immediately.
The idiom "kill two birds with one stone" means to accomplish two tasks simultaneously or to achieve two goals with a single action or solution.
An idiom frequently used is "in two shakes", which means to happen quickly or without much delay. This phrase is often used to express the speed at which something can be done or accomplished.
The idiom "in the wrong place at the wrong time" means being in a situation where something bad happens due to unfortunate timing or circumstances.
An idiom meaning to do something quickly and efficiently, often describing the completion of multiple tasks or actions in a single swift and decisive motion.
The idiom "hit two targets with one arrow" means to achieve two goals or objectives with a single action or effort.
The idiom "HE-double-toothpicks" is a euphemism used to refer to the word "hell." It is used as a way to avoid saying the actual word, often in order to be less offensive or more polite.
The idiom "have one's hands full" means to be very busy or have a lot of work or responsibilities to deal with.
The idiom "go halves" means to share the cost or responsibility of something equally with someone else.
The idiom "go halfsies" means to split the cost or share something equally between two people.
Revealing the Enigma
The idiom "double booked" is known to have originated in the early 20th century and is primarily used in the United States. It is a phrase that is commonly used in business and travel contexts to describe a situation in which an individual or organization has scheduled two separate appointments or reservations at the same time. The term "double booked" is derived from the verb "book," which means to make a reservation or appointment.
The phrase "on the double" is often used in conjunction with "double booked" to emphasize the urgency and need for immediate action. "On the double" means to do something quickly or without delay. When someone is double booked, there is a sense of urgency to resolve the conflict and make a decision on which appointment or reservation to prioritize. It requires quick thinking and efficient problem-solving skills to navigate the situation and avoid any negative consequences.
The idiom "book in" is also related to "double booked" and refers to the act of making a reservation or appointment. When someone is double booked, it means that they have mistakenly made multiple bookings for the same time slot. The idiom "book in" highlights the importance of being organized and mindful when scheduling appointments or reservations to avoid this type of situation. It reminds individuals and organizations to double-check their calendars and make sure they have not accidentally booked multiple commitments for the same time.
The phrase "double Dutch" is not directly related to the idiom "double booked," but it shares a similar concept of confusion or difficulty in understanding. "Double Dutch" refers to something that is extremely difficult to comprehend or understand. While being double booked may not be as complex as "double Dutch," it can still be a challenging situation to navigate, especially when there are conflicting priorities or commitments. The idiom "double Dutch" serves as a reminder of the potential confusion and frustration that can arise when faced with conflicting appointments or reservations.
Another related idiom is "back-to-back-to-back," which describes a sequence of events or activities that occur consecutively without any breaks in between. When someone is double booked, it can result in a series of back-to-back-to-back meetings, appointments, or reservations. This can be exhausting and overwhelming, as it leaves no time for rest or downtime. The idiom "back-to-back-to-back" emphasizes the intensity and continuous nature of the schedule, highlighting the need for efficient time management and prioritization.
When someone is "double booked," it implies a conflict or dilemma arising from overlapping commitments. This can lead to a range of consequences depending on the context. In a business setting, being double booked may result in missed meetings, disrupted schedules, or strained relationships with clients or colleagues. In the travel industry, it can refer to accidentally reserving the same time slot for two different flights, hotels, or events.
"Double booked" is a concise and vivid phrase that effectively captures the predicament of having conflicting obligations or commitments. The idiom emphasizes the notion of having made a mistake or oversight in managing one's schedule, which can have significant repercussions. It also highlights the importance of proper time management and organizational skills in avoiding such situations.
While the idiom itself may seem straightforward, there are subtle variations in how it is used and perceived in different cultural and professional contexts. For example, being double booked may be seen as a sign of incompetence or unprofessionalism in certain industries, while in others, it may be regarded as a common occurrence that can be easily resolved.
Overall, the idiom "double booked" reflects the challenges and complexities of managing time and commitments in a fast-paced and interconnected world. It serves as a reminder to individuals and organizations to carefully coordinate and prioritize their schedules to avoid the potentially costly consequences of conflicting appointments or reservations. Despite its prevalence and established usage, the idiom leaves room for interpretation and exploration, inviting further examination of the intricacies of human behavior and social interactions.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *double booked* can be used in a sentence:
- He mistakenly double booked two clients for the same time slot.
- The hotel accidentally double booked the room, causing a mix-up for the guests.
- She realized she was double booked for two meetings and had to reschedule one of them.
More "Mistake" idioms
