On the double Meaning in English
expression
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈdəbəɫ
ON-thuh-DUH-buhl
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 demoraPortuguese (BR): imediatamente - depressa - rapidinhoPortuguese (PT): imediatamente - depressa - jáChinese (Simplified): 立刻 - 马上 - 迅速地Chinese (Traditional): 立刻 - 馬上 - 迅速地Hindi: फ़ौरन - तुरंत - झटपटArabic: على الفور - بسرعة - فورًاBengali: তাড়াতাড়ি - দ্রুতRussian: быстро - немедленноJapanese: すぐに - 急いでVietnamese: ngay lập tức - thật nhanhKorean: 당장 - 빨리Turkish: derhal - hemenUrdu: فوراً - تیزی سےIndonesian: 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