0 to look at someone or something and then look again because you suddenly recognize him, her, or it or notice that something unusual is happening: --
1 a delayed surprised reaction at seeing someone or something: --
The theme of the piece involves two people who walk past each other in the street, notice each other, do a double take, and instantly fall in love.
The theme of the piece involves two people who walk past reach other in the street, notice each other, do a double take, and instantly fall in love.
Horton soon cultivated his own special variation of the time-honored double take (an actor's reaction to something, followed by a delayed, more extreme reaction).
A double take is necessary.