To start having doubts about a decision you have made; to reconsider
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.
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 example: He 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!
Have second thoughts as doubt/reconsider — VERY COMMON:
– 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
Common variations:
– 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
Example Sentences
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
1. 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.
2. 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.
✔ Native usage tips
– The progressive form is extremely common — “I’m having second thoughts” sounds more natural than “I have second thoughts” in most contexts. The progressive emphasises that doubt is happening right now
– “On second thought” vs “on second thoughts” — Americans say “on second thought” (singular); British speakers often say “on second thoughts” (plural). Both are correct in their respective varieties
– “Without a second thought” = immediately/unhesitatingly — this is a different usage! “She agreed without a second thought” means she didn’t hesitate at all, not that she had doubts
– Often associated with big life decisions — weddings, job changes, house purchases, moving abroad. Native speakers commonly use this phrase when discussing major commitments
– “Cold feet” is more informal and dramatic — “having second thoughts” is neutral doubt, while “getting cold feet” suggests stronger anxiety, often about weddings or commitments. They’re related but not identical
– Can be reassuring or concerning depending on context — “Don’t have second thoughts!” is encouraging, but “Are you having second thoughts?” can be worrying if someone asks about your commitment
✔ Similar expressions / words
– Reconsider → more formal verb; “I’m reconsidering my decision” is more neutral and businesslike than “I’m having second thoughts”; works in professional contexts
– Have reservations (about) → slightly more formal; suggests ongoing concerns rather than sudden doubt; “I have reservations about this plan” implies you never fully agreed
– Waver → more literary; suggests going back and forth between options; “She wavered for weeks before deciding” implies prolonged uncertainty rather than sudden doubt