On the double Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈdəbəɫ

ON-thuh-DUH-buhl

UK

ˈɒn/ /ðə, ði/ /dˈʌbəl

ON-thuh-DUB-uhl

Definition

If you do something 'on the double', you do it very quickly or without any delay.

Usage & Nuances

This phrase is informal and common in spoken English, especially in urgent situations or when giving commands. It is often used in military, sports, or workplace contexts. Not usually used to describe non-human actions.

• Spanish: rápidamente - enseguida - sin demora
• Portuguese (BR): imediatamente - depressa - rapidinho
• Portuguese (PT): imediatamente - depressa - já
• Chinese (Simplified): 立刻 - 马上 - 迅速地
• Chinese (Traditional): 立刻 - 馬上 - 迅速地
• Hindi: फ़ौरन - तुरंत - झटपट
• Arabic: على الفور - بسرعة - فورًا
• Bengali: তাড়াতাড়ি - দ্রুত
• Russian: быстро - немедленно
• Japanese: すぐに - 急いで
• Vietnamese: ngay lập tức - thật nhanh
• Korean: 당장 - 빨리
• Turkish: derhal - hemen
• Urdu: فوراً - تیزی سے
• Indonesian: segera - dengan cepat

Example Sentences

Please finish your homework on the double.

basic

Get to the meeting room on the double!

basic

The coach told the team to run on the double.

basic

If you want to catch the bus, you'd better move on the double.

natural

Bring me those reports on the double, please.

natural

Cleanup needs to happen on the double—the guests are arriving soon.

natural