on the double

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on the double

1. (idiomatic) Rapidly or immediately.

   Fortunately, help arrived on the double, and the victim's injuries were soon treated.

   • 1963, “My Boyfriend's Back”, in My Boyfriend's Back, performed by The Angels:

     My boyfriend's back and you're gonna be in trouble. / You see him comin'; better cut out on the double.

   • 2008, BioWare, Mass Effect (Science Fiction), Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →ISBN, →OCLC, PC, scene: Therum:

     Liara: We have to hurry. The whole place is caving in!
     Shepard: Joker! Get the Normandy airbone and lock in on my signal. On the double, mister!

• at the double
• double-quick
• double time