on second thought

Idioms  

1. Resulting from a revised opinion or change of mind, as in I thought I'd go to the movies, but on second thought I'd rather stay home. Similarly, have second thoughts means “change one's mind,” as in I've had second thoughts about moving to Florida. This idiom alludes to ideas that come later. [Mid-1600s]

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Example Sentences

What began as a flippantly offered pipe dream, on second thought sounded too good to resist.

From New York Times • Mar. 19, 2024

The Commanders’ own version of this may be the “Redskins Rule,” which, on second thought, probably warrants a new name after the former moniker was retired.

From Washington Times • Aug. 25, 2022

Muñiz playfully gave the overall five-year experience a passing grade of C-plus — maybe even a B-minus, on second thought, “because it did the job.”

From Washington Post • Feb. 10, 2022

But on second thought I have concluded that there is something here.

From Slate • Aug. 15, 2021

But on second thought, I was against giving him the satisfaction of thinking he had affected my affairs.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson