on the double: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘on the double’ mean?
The idiom "on the double" means to do something quickly or immediately.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "upon the instant" means immediately or without delay.
The idiom "quick on the draw" means to be very fast in reacting or responding to a situation or challenge.
One idiom that has gained popularity over the years is "quick on the draw." Here's what we know for sure about this idiom:
The phrase "quick on the draw" comes from the American Old West, specifically gunfighting. It refers to someone who is fast and skilled at drawing their gun in a confrontation. Being "quick on the draw" means having the ability to react swiftly and decisively.
The idiom "on with you" means to continue or proceed with something. It is often used to encourage someone to move forward or make progress in a situation or task.
The idiom "on the money" means to be exactly correct or accurate.
The idiom "on the money" is a commonly used phrase in American English. It means that something is absolutely correct or accurate. This idiom is often used in various contexts, such as financial matters, sports, and general assessments of correctness.
The idiom "on the horns of a dilemma" means being in a difficult situation where one has to choose between two equally undesirable options.
The idiom "on the go" means to be busy or occupied with various activities or tasks, without much time for rest or relaxation.
The idiom "on the fly" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It means doing something quickly or spontaneously without preparation or planning. The origin of the idiom is uncertain, but there are several theories about its roots.
Lightning-Speed Command
The idiomatic expression "on the double" is widely used in American English to convey a sense of urgency or the need for prompt action. It is often used to mean "quickly" or "immediately."
One of the earliest instances of the phrase can be found in the writings of author George Randolph Chester in his 1905 novel "Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford." He used the phrase to describe a rapid and urgent movement: "Notice of the capture finished Samuel just as his boss came back on the run or, to be exact, 'on the double,' which seems to be the impressively rapid motion of those employed in big things."
The idiomatic meaning of "on the double" can be understood in relation to its component words. The word "on" here serves as an intensifier, while "the double" may be derived from military drill commands. In military training, there is a command called "double time" that instructs soldiers to run at twice their normal speed. It is speculated that "on the double" possibly emerged as a civilian adaptation of this military command.
While the phrase gained popularity during World War I in military contexts, it eventually entered into everyday language, becoming a part of colloquial speech. Today, "on the double" is used in a wide range of situations to urge someone to act swiftly or to emphasize the urgency of a task.
It is worth noting that idiomatic expressions can vary in meaning across different cultural and regional contexts. However, "on the double" appears to have a consistent meaning throughout the United States, maintaining its sense of immediacy and quick action.
In addition to "on the double," there are other related idioms that convey a similar sense of speed and quick action.
The first related idiom is "double tap." This expression comes from the world of firearms and refers to firing two shots in quick succession at the same target. It is often used in a metaphorical sense to mean taking immediate and decisive action. Just as a double tap in shooting requires speed and accuracy, acting "on the double" emphasizes the need for quick and efficient action.
Another related idiom is "quick on the draw." This phrase originates from the American Old West and refers to someone who is fast and skillful at drawing a weapon. In a figurative sense, being "quick on the draw" means being quick to react or respond. Like "on the double," this idiom emphasizes the need for swift action and highlights the importance of being prepared and ready to act without delay.
These related idioms reinforce the sense of urgency and speed conveyed by "on the double." They all emphasize the need to act quickly and decisively, whether it's through firing two shots in quick succession, being fast and skillful at drawing a weapon, or simply responding promptly to a given situation.
The idiomatic expression "on the double" has a well-established meaning in American English, conveying the need for prompt and rapid action. Its origins can be traced back to military usage, and it has since become a commonly used phrase in everyday language. With its distinct sense of urgency, "on the double" continues to be a popular idiom in contemporary American speech, along with its related idioms "double tap" and "quick on the draw."
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom on the double can be used in a sentence:
- He needed a delivery driver on the double to make sure the packages arrived on time.
- The teacher asked the student to bring his book on the double so they could start the lesson.
- When the fire alarm went off, everyone evacuated the building on the double.