on second thought
English meaning: On second thought
Definition
Used when you change your opinion after thinking about it again.
Example
“I'll have tea — on second thought, make it coffee.”
Another example: “I was going to drive, but on second thought, I'll take the train instead.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A common phrase signalling a change of mind after reconsidering ('On second thought, let's not'). American spelling 'thought'; British often 'on second thoughts'. Neutral, conversational register.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From the idea of a 'second' round of thought leading to a new decision.
Synonyms
- on reflection
- then again
- come to think of it
Antonyms / Opposites
- without hesitation
Related Words
- reconsider
- reflection
- rethink
- reconsideration
- then again
Common Collocations
- on second thought
- on second thoughts
- on second thought, no
- but on second thought
- on second thought, maybe
Word Forms
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Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B