second thought

American  

Or second-thought

noun

1. Often second thoughts. reservation about a previous action, position, decision, judgment, or the like.

   He had second thoughts about his decision.

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idioms

1. on second thought, after reconsideration.

   On second thought, I don't think I'll go.

second thought British  

noun

1. (usually plural) a revised opinion or idea on a matter already considered

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Etymology

Origin of second thought

First recorded in 1625–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

second thought

A 20-year-old has decades of that long run ahead, and should be almost entirely in stocks without a second thought about short-term swings.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 29, 2026

It is in these jargon-rich, usually quiet meetings where so many data centers are approved without second thought.

From Salon ● Jun. 12, 2026

But for Fatima, a 36-year-old German housewife travelling with her family, "there was no second thought" about coming to Mecca, Islam's holiest city.

From Barron's ● May 22, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 8, 2026

“Eww. On second thought ... I don’t want your back. But we’ll be rooting for you.”

From "The Titan's Curse" by Rick Riordan