Lately it seems I am reading or hearing the phrase "double down" in the news a lot. What exactly does it mean?
My guess is that the writer using the phrase thinks the alliteration sounds neat and using it sounds like a good idea because everybody else is using it.
It's the same with "going into the weeds," which means to go into too much detail on some subject. I seem to hear that a lot lately.
Anyway, "double down" comes from the game of blackjack. I knew that much, but since I may be the most inept gambler in the world, I looked it up just to be sure.
Here's how I understand it: In blackjack if you double down you are doubling your bet, but you can only get one card from the dealer. So you are taking a big risk with hopes of doubling your winnings.
I hope that's right because I don't want to spend the next week or so reading messages from people who know a lot more about blackjack than I do telling me I'm an idiot.
What is the origin of the phrase "lead pipe cinch?"
Nobody knows for sure. The cinch part refers to the strap that tightens the saddle to the horse, making it safe and secure for the rider.
One thought is that if you used a lead pipe as sort of a lever to help you tighten the cinch it would make things even more safe and secure.
That sounds sort of silly to me, but like I said, nobody knows for sure.
View subscription options