on second thought

Idioms & Phrases

on second thought

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]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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