A "double take" is a technique used in comedy in which a character looks at something or someone and then quickly looks back at it again as if they can't believe what they are seeing. This is often used for comedic effects, as it can convey surprise or disbelief. The "double take" can also be used to set up a punchline in a joke. It is a common technique in both visual and verbal forms of comedy and can be used in a variety of settings, from stand-up comedy to film and television.