Needless to say..

[1377] On second thought..

🎲 That being said..
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • Used to indicate that the speaker is changing their mind or revising a previous statement or decision after brief reconsideration.
  • Signals a shift from an initial idea to a new one.

Origin

  • Refers to the idea of having a first thought (initial idea) and then a second thought (a revised idea after more consideration).
  • Implies a moment of reflection, however brief.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Actually... (Can signal a change of mind)
  • Come to think of it... (Similar, often introduces a point just remembered or considered)
  • Having reconsidered... (More formal)
  • Then again... (Introduces an alternative consideration)
  • Wait... / Hold on... (Used to pause and signal rethinking)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Nah, scratch that... (Means 'cancel that idea')
  • You know what? Never mind... (Often changes topic or cancels previous suggestion)
  • Psych! / Sike! (Dated slang, used playfully *after* stating something then immediately revealing it wasn't true/the real plan, less about genuine reconsideration)

Milder/Standard:

  • Perhaps I should reconsider...
  • Maybe instead...

Situational Appropriateness

  • Very common in everyday informal and semi-formal conversation.
  • Might seem indecisive if overused, especially in professional contexts where decisiveness is valued.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Generally clear. Listeners need to understand that the *first* idea is being cancelled or replaced by the *second* one.

Examples

  • Let's go get pizza. Actually, on second thought, I'm kind of craving Chinese food.
  • I'll take the blue shirt. Hmm, on second thought, maybe the red one looks better.
  • You can borrow my car tomorrow. Oh, wait, on second thought, I need it for an appointment.

Dialogue

Context

Person A: I think I'll order the steak for dinner.

(Looks at menu again)

Person A: Hmm. On second thought, the salmon sounds really good too. I think I'll get the salmon instead.

Person B: Okay, salmon it is!

Social Media Examples

  • Tweet 1: Going to try that new vegan place tonight!
  • Tweet 2 (Reply to own tweet): On second thought... ordering pizza. Feeling lazy. 🍕 #Food #Mood
  • Chat: Let's meet at 7? ... Actually, on second thought, can we do 7:30? Just realized I have another call.

Response Patterns

  • Listener adjusts their expectation based on the speaker's change of mind.
  • May respond with Oh, okay, Alright, or ask for the reason for the change (Why the change?).
  • Might express mild surprise or acceptance.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

  • The speaker states their revised idea or decision.
  • The listener acknowledges the change and adjusts plans accordingly.
  • May lead to a brief discussion about the new preference or plan.

Conversation Starter

  • No. Used to revise something just said or decided within the conversation.

Intonation

  • Often begins with a slight pause or filler sound (Hmm, Actually, Wait).
  • Stress typically falls on second. On SECond thought...
  • The tone shifts from the initial statement to one of reconsideration.

Generation Differences

  • Used across all age groups.

Regional Variations

  • Common in all major English-speaking regions.
Needless to say..
🎲 That being said..