then again

Idioms

Also, but then. On the other hand, an opposite possibility. For example, I think it'll arrive tomorrow; then again, it may not, or We think you'll like this restaurant, but then again, not everyone does, or The play was a bit dull, but then she's a great actress.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"I think we could get out of the group, but then again I've thought that in every World Cup since 1974," he added.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

Measures have been imposed by the regulators to try and curb excessive volatility, and they were triggered both on the way down Monday and then again on the way back up again Tuesday.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

But, then again, maybe the inevitable is tiresome.

From Salon • May 30, 2026

That’s a far cry from the nearly half of teens that were employed in retail in the early 2000’s, but then again, participation among those ages 16-19 remains much lower.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

But then again, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little envious of her.

From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023