double tap: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘double tap’ mean?
The idiom "double tap" means to quickly press a button twice, especially on a touch screen, to perform a specific action or command.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "on the double" means to do something quickly or immediately.
The idiom "every time" is used to indicate that something happens consistently or repeatedly. It can also imply that something always occurs in conjunction with a specific action or event.
An idiom, *double booked*, means when someone accidentally schedules two or more appointments or events at the same time.
The idiom "double back" means to turn around and go back in the opposite direction. It is often used to describe a change in plans or a reversal of a previous decision.
The idiom "double Dutch" refers to something that is confusing or difficult to understand, often because of language barriers or complex instructions.
The idiom "cut through" means to take a direct or efficient action to solve a problem, avoid unnecessary steps or get to the point quickly.
An idiom meaning to take shortcuts or do something in a faster or easier way, often sacrificing quality or thoroughness. It is used to describe a situation where someone tries to save time, money, or effort by finding an easier or quicker way to achieve a goal.
The idiom "cut both ways" means that a situation or action can have both positive and negative consequences. It implies that something can have a double-edged effect or outcome.
An idiom that means two things or people are extremely dissimilar or opposite in nature.
Unraveling the Enigma of "Double Tap"
One of the most versatile idioms in today's digital age is the phrase "double tap." Popularized in the world of social media, particularly on platforms like Instagram, this term refers to the action of tapping on a photo twice in quick succession as a way to express appreciation or liking for the content. When you double tap, a heart-shaped icon appears on the photo, indicating that you have "liked" the post.
The origin of the idiom can be traced back to 2011 when Instagram released an updated interface that introduced the double tap feature. This simple and intuitive gesture quickly became a hit among users, leading to the adoption of the phrase "double tap" to describe the action itself. It didn't take long before this idiom made its way beyond social media and into popular culture and everyday conversation.
Nowadays, people use the phrase "double tap" metaphorically to express admiration or support for something or someone in various contexts. For example, you might say that you "double tapped" a friend's idea during a meeting, meaning that you showed enthusiasm or agreement. This idiomatic usage has become a way to acknowledge and appreciate someone or something quickly and decisively, whether it's in a virtual space or the real world.
It's interesting to note that the term "double tap" has also found a home in the world of firearms, particularly within the military and law enforcement communities. In this context, a "double tap" refers to the firing of two quick shots in succession at the same target. This notion of rapid and decisive action has been metaphorically transferred to the idiom's usage in social media, emphasizing the idea of swift engagement and acknowledgement.
Now let's explore how the idiom "double tap" is related to several other idioms:
1. "on the double": The phrase "on the double" means to act quickly or without delay. When you use the idiom "double tap" in the context of social media, it aligns with the concept of responding promptly by tapping twice to like a post. Just as "on the double" urges swift action, the "double tap" idiom signifies immediate acknowledgement and appreciation.
2. "double back": "Double back" refers to the act of returning to a previous point or retracing one's steps. In the world of social media, "double tapping" can be seen as a way to re-engage with content that you've already encountered. By tapping on a photo twice, you're essentially "doubling back" to show that you still appreciate or like the post even after seeing it before.
3. "double booked": The phrase "double booked" means to have two conflicting appointments or commitments scheduled at the same time. In the context of the "double tap" idiom, it can be related to the idea of giving equal attention or appreciation to multiple posts or pieces of content simultaneously. When you double tap on various posts, you're metaphorically "double booking" your appreciation and showing support for multiple things at once.
4. "double Dutch": "Double Dutch" is a term used to describe a form of jump rope with two ropes turning in opposite directions. In the world of social media, the idiom "double tap" can be linked to "double Dutch" by highlighting the simultaneous engagement with multiple posts or content pieces. Just as the jump rope requires coordination and timing, double tapping on various posts involves navigating between different pieces of content swiftly and efficiently.
5. "at the drop of a hat": This phrase means to do something instantly or without hesitation. When it comes to "double tap," this idiom aligns perfectly with the quick and immediate action of tapping twice to like a post on social media. Just as someone would act "at the drop of a hat," users show their appreciation and support for content by double tapping it in a heartbeat.
The idiom "double tap" has a rich history that originated from the double tap feature introduced by Instagram. While it initially referred to the action of tapping twice to like a post, it has since evolved to encompass the metaphorical expression of support and admiration in various contexts. By incorporating related idioms like "on the double," "double back," "double booked," "double Dutch," and "at the drop of a hat," we can understand the idiom's connection to swift action, immediate acknowledgement, and quick engagement.
Example usage
The idiom "double tap" can be used in various contexts to convey different meanings. Here are three examples:
1. He was startled when he heard a noise outside his house, so he quickly grabbed his phone and double tapped the screen to turn on the flashlight.
2. The instructor taught the self-defense class that when facing an attacker, it is essential to double tap the target with quick and precise movements.
3. In the world of social media, receiving a double tap on your photo means that someone has liked it.
More "media" idioms
