Have second thoughts
idiom Base: have second thoughts | Past: had second thoughts | Past Participle: had second thoughts | -ing: having second thoughts | 3rd person: has second thoughts
Definition
1. To start having doubts about a decision you have made.
2. To reconsider.
2. To reconsider.
Context Alive
She had already accepted the job offer in another city, but now she was having second thoughts about leaving her family behind. The excitement was fading, and worry was creeping in — maybe this wasn’t the right decision after all.
Meanings
1 meaning 1 To Start Doubting a Decision (Idiom) — VERY COMMON Common ▼
This meaning is about beginning to question whether something you decided was actually the right choice. Imagine you’ve booked a skydiving trip with friends, but now that the day is getting closer, you’re having second thoughts — suddenly it doesn’t seem like such a great idea. This is having second thoughts — doubting your decision. You might have second thoughts about buying an expensive car, or someone could have second thoughts about getting married just days before the wedding. Or picture a student who accepted a university offer but is now having second thoughts, wondering if she chose the wrong course. The phrase suggests hesitation and uncertainty. ✏️ “On second thought” (singular) is used when changing your mind immediately: “I’ll have coffee — on second thought, make it tea.”
Vivid ExampleHe was about to send a harsh reply to his boss’s email, but had second thoughts at the last moment and deleted everything, deciding it was wiser to sleep on it and respond calmly the next day.
Examples from the Street
“I’m having second thoughts about accepting the job offer.”
I’m starting to doubt whether I should take the position / I’m reconsidering
“She had second thoughts and decided not to get married.”
She changed her mind and called off the wedding
“Don’t have second thoughts — you made the right decision!”
Don’t doubt yourself / Don’t start questioning your choice!
Common Patterns
have second thoughts (about something) → begin to doubt a decision or plan
be having second thoughts → currently experiencing doubt (progressive form very common)
have second thoughts about [verb-ing] → doubt whether to do something
start to have second thoughts → begin doubting after initially being sure
have no second thoughts (about) → feel completely certain, no regrets
without a second thought → immediately, without hesitation (different meaning!)
give something a second thought → consider something again (usually negative: “didn’t give it a second thought”)
on second thought(s) → after reconsidering (used to change one’s mind mid-sentence)
not give it a second thought → not worry about it at all
Collocations
3 collocationshaving second thoughts
starting to doubt a decision
second thoughts about
doubts or reconsideration of something
without a second thought
immediately and without hesitation
Example Sentences
12 examples
1
I’m having second thoughts about moving abroad — maybe it’s too risky
I’m starting to doubt whether relocating overseas is the right choice — perhaps it’s too uncertain.
2
She had second thoughts and pulled out of the deal at the last minute
She changed her mind and withdrew from the agreement just before signing.
3
Are you having second thoughts about the wedding?
Are you starting to doubt whether you should go through with the ceremony?
4
I had no second thoughts about quitting — it was absolutely the right decision
I felt completely certain about resigning — it was definitely the correct choice.
5
He started to have second thoughts when he saw how much work was involved
He began to reconsider once he realised the amount of effort required.
6
I’d like a coffee, please. Actually, on second thought, make it a tea
Could I get a coffee? Wait, after reconsidering, I’ll go with tea instead.
7
She accepted the offer without a second thought — she’d always dreamed of that job
She took the position immediately without hesitation — she’d always wanted that role.
8
Don’t have second thoughts now — you’ve already handed in your notice
Don’t start doubting yourself at this point — you’ve already submitted your resignation.
9
I didn’t give it a second thought — I just said yes immediately
I didn’t even pause to reconsider — I agreed straight away.
10
Many buyers have second thoughts after making a big purchase like a house
Lots of people experience doubt after committing to something major like property.
Learner Examples
★
Many students have second thoughts about their chosen subject after the first semester
Lots of learners begin to doubt their selected course after the initial term.
★
If you’re having second thoughts about studying abroad, talk to someone who’s done it
If you’re starting to question whether learning overseas is right for you, speak with someone who’s experienced it.
Phrasal Verbs & Idioms
2 items Idioms & Expressionson second thought — after reconsidering
On second thought, let's just stay home and watch a movie.
without a second thought — immediately without hesitation
She jumped into the pool without a second thought.
Synonyms & Antonyms
6 items
Synonymshesitate
being unsure about a decision
reconsider
thinking about something again
doubt
questioning your decision
waver
going back and forth on something
Antonymsbe certain
having no doubts
be decisive
making a firm decision