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

“But on second thought, that was a little too corny.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

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

From New York Times • Mar. 19, 2024

The program’s true intentions are revealed in the 10th criteria of its first two answers to my question—Cost, then, on second thought, Availability.

From Slate • Sep. 26, 2023

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

Even though he’d told me, Okay, Mila, we'll stop doing whatever were doing, it was as if he’d said: Actually, on second thought?

From "Maybe He Just Likes You" by Barbara Dee