At the double

adverb

Very quickly or immediately.

He told us to finish the work at the double.
Visual representation of "at the double" - Very quickly or immediately.

Often appears as...

  • run at the double
  • move at the double

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

adverb

In military use, it means to move with a running or jogging pace.

The soldiers were ordered to march at the double.
Visual representation of "at the double" - In military use, it means to move with a running or jogging pace.

Often appears as...

  • march at the double
  • fall in at the double

Usage tips

Formal

Technical

adverb

Very quickly or immediately.

He told us to finish the work at the double.
Visual representation of "at the double" - Very quickly or immediately.

Often appears as...

  • run at the double
  • move at the double

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

adverb

In military use, it means to move with a running or jogging pace.

The soldiers were ordered to march at the double.
Visual representation of "at the double" - In military use, it means to move with a running or jogging pace.

Often appears as...

  • march at the double
  • fall in at the double

Usage tips

Formal

Technical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "at the double"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Urgency Implication

Used to express an urgent requirement for action, often in a casual setting.

Illustration for Urgency Implication
When the boss saw the deadline approaching, he told everyone to complete the reports at the double.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Colloquial Use

Common in spoken English and can add a sense of informality or humor.

Illustration for Colloquial Use
After the gates opened, we all moved at the double to get the best seats.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Nuance

Particularly British; might not be well understood in countries using different expressions for haste.

Illustration for Cultural Nuance
Visiting London, I was told to board the bus at the double, as if everyone else wasn't in a hurry too!
LampPro Tip 1/3

Urgency Implication

Used to express an urgent requirement for action, often in a casual setting.

Illustration for Urgency Implication
When the boss saw the deadline approaching, he told everyone to complete the reports at the double.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Colloquial Use

Common in spoken English and can add a sense of informality or humor.

Illustration for Colloquial Use
After the gates opened, we all moved at the double to get the best seats.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Nuance

Particularly British; might not be well understood in countries using different expressions for haste.

Illustration for Cultural Nuance
Visiting London, I was told to board the bus at the double, as if everyone else wasn't in a hurry too!
LampPro Tip 1/3

Urgency Implication

Used to express an urgent requirement for action, often in a casual setting.

Illustration for Urgency Implication
When the boss saw the deadline approaching, he told everyone to complete the reports at the double.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Colloquial Use

Common in spoken English and can add a sense of informality or humor.

Illustration for Colloquial Use
After the gates opened, we all moved at the double to get the best seats.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Nuance

Particularly British; might not be well understood in countries using different expressions for haste.

Illustration for Cultural Nuance
Visiting London, I was told to board the bus at the double, as if everyone else wasn't in a hurry too!
Visual representation of the word "At the double"

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