“Double Or Nothing” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 16, 2024 by Liam Daniel

The phrase “double or nothing” is one you may hear frequently in conversation or see used a lot in writing. In the article below, the definition of this phrase and the details of its origin can be found. You will also see samples of sentences and conversations that show the proper usage of this phrase in everyday communication and you will find some different ways to this phrase that still allow you to convey the same meaning.

Double or Nothing Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “Double or nothing” is a term used in gambling and competitions where a person bets everything they’ve won (or lost) with the opportunity to either double their winnings or lose everything. If they win, they receive double the original amount, but if they lose, they get nothing.
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Double or Nothing Meaning

The idiomatic phrase “double or nothing” means to make a subsequent gamble or a bet where the terms of an initial bet are multiplied by two. If the bet is won, the person agreeing to the bet wins twice the amount of the initial bet and, if lost, the person agrees to receive nothing.

Origin of this Idiom

The phrase originated from the English phrase “double or quit.” The phrase “double or quit” has been used in the betting sense since the 1570s. The American English version of “double or nothing” used in the same sense has been used popularly since 1899.

Usage of “Double or Nothing”

Here are some examples of how “double or nothing” can be used:

  1. In gambling or betting:
    • “I won the first round, but he challenged me to go double or nothing on the next hand.”
  2. In a friendly wager:
    • “After losing the bet, he asked for double or nothing to try and win his money back.”
  3. In sports or games:
    • “They were losing the game but offered to play double or nothing in the final round.”
  4. In a personal challenge:
    • “She completed the task, but her boss offered a double or nothing deal to see if she could finish early.”
  5. In casual conversation:
    • “I bet you can’t do it again! Double or nothing?”

Related Terms to “Double or Nothing”

  • “All or nothing” – A situation where the outcome is either total success or complete failure.
  • “High stakes” – Refers to a situation with significant risks or rewards.
  • “Go for broke” – To risk everything in the pursuit of success.
  • “Winner takes all” – A competition where the winner receives all the rewards, and the loser gets nothing.
  • “Put it all on the line” – To risk everything in the hope of achieving a big win.
  • “Bet it all” – To risk everything on a single outcome or decision.
  • “Take a gamble” – To take a risk in hopes of a positive outcome.
  • “Go all in” – To fully commit to a decision or risk all resources on one bet.
  • “Raise the stakes” – To increase the risks or rewards in a situation.
  • “Roll the dice” – To take a chance or make a risky decision.

Alternatives to “Double Or Nothing”

Some alternatives you can use in place of “double or nothing” that mean the same or something very similar include:

  • Double or quit
  • Double up on the bet
  • Double the stakes or lose it all

“Double or Nothing” Examples

Example Sentences

  • After initially agreeing to bet $10 on the first game of billiards, the players agreed to go double or nothing on a second game.
  • Agreeing to go double or nothing in any type of situation means taking a gamble with inherent risks, sometimes a rather large amount of risk depending on the size of the initial bet.

Example Conversations

A conversation between a mother and her daughter.

  • Daughter: I bet you $5 bucks you can’t do it!
  • Mother: (does it) Tada!
  • Daughter: Oh my God! Beginner’s luck! I bet you double or nothing you can’t do it again.
  • Mother: (does it again with ease) Tada!! Now, where’s my $10?

A conversation between two co-workers.

  • Co-worker 1: You might be pretty good at video games, but you will never beat me in Tetris!
  • Co-workers 2: I bet you $20 I can!
  • Co-worker 1: You’re on! We will play after work.

(Later after work at co-worker 2’s house)

  • Co-worker 1: See, told you! Give me my $20!
  • Co-worker 2: You just got lucky! Double or nothing?
  • Co-worker 1: Sure!
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