have second thoughts
begin to doubt a decision already made
In Spanish
begin to doubt a decision already made
Examples
- I'm having second thoughts about taking the job in Berlin.
- She had second thoughts about investing in the new project after seeing the risks involved.
- After signing the contract, he started to have second thoughts about the move.
When it's used
'Have second thoughts' is used when someone starts to question a decision they previously made. It is a common expression in both spoken and written English, suitable for both informal and formal contexts.
The common mistake
A common mistake is to say 'have doubts' instead of 'have second thoughts'. While both phrases might seem similar, 'have doubts' does not always imply a prior decision was made, which is crucial for 'have second thoughts'.
Related idioms
FROM WHAT YOU READ TO WHAT YOU SAY
Recognising it isn't the same as using it
Reading an idiom and understanding it is step one. Dropping it into a conversation, at the right moment, without stopping to think, is another — and that only comes from speaking.
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