Definition

1. Noun:
   • A delayed reaction indicating surprise: A "double take" is a quick, second look or a delayed reaction to something unexpected or surprising that was initially missed or not fully processed. It often involves looking away and then looking back again with sudden recognition or astonishment.

Usage

• Noun: Used to describe the act of looking again in surprise. It is typically used in the phrase "do a double take."
  • He did a double take when he saw his teacher at the concert.
  • I had to do a double take to make sure I was seeing correctly.

Advanced Usage

• "to do a double take": This is the standard phrase used to describe the action of having a delayed, surprised reaction.
  • The painting was so realistic that everyone who walked by did a double take.
• Used to describe a comedic or dramatic moment in narratives.
  • The reveal in the movie was so shocking it caused a collective double take in the theater.

Variants and Related Words

• Take (noun): In film and photography, a single continuous recorded performance. This is related in form but not in meaning to "double take."
• Reaction (noun): An action performed or a feeling experienced in response to a situation or event. A "double take" is a specific type of surprised reaction.

Synonyms

• Delayed reaction: A response that occurs after a pause.
• Second look: An additional, more careful examination.

Related Phrases

• Look twice: To look again carefully, often due to surprise or disbelief. This is a close conceptual synonym.
  • I had to look twice to believe it was him.

Related Idioms

• "It made me look twice": An idiom expressing that something was surprising or noteworthy enough to require a second look. This is closely related to the concept of a double take.
  • The unusual architecture of the building made me look twice.

Noun

1. a delayed reaction indicating surprise