double take

plural double takes · alternative double-take · alternative doubletake

1. An abrupt movement, used, for example, as a comical reaction to a surprising sight, in which someone casually sees something, briefly stops looking at it, realizes what it is, and snaps attention back to it with an expression of surprise or disbelief.

   Smith passes the car and does a double take as he realizes it is on fire.

   2 more examples

   I swear I did a double take when I spotted that $100 bill lying in the gutter!

   Once a neighbor complained that a Gilbreth had called the neighbor's boy a son of an unprintable word.“What are the facts of the matter?” Dad asked blandly. And then walked away while the neighbor registered a double take.

   1949, Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr.; Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, Cheaper by the Dozen

present singular third person double takes · participle present double taking · past double took · participle past double taken · alternative double-take · alternative doubletake

1. uncommonTo have a double take reaction.

   What caused her to double take was when she saw the red glint in his eyes.

   2005, Janet Lewis, Yolanda Pedroza, The Krystal Kracker