Context #1
Getting married is one of the biggest steps someone can take in life and it is always wise to consider many things before making this huge commitment. Some people may say that being in love is the only requirement for getting married; others say it’s not that simple. Where will you live? Will you have children? Will you share household duties? How well do you know each other? Some believe the last question is the most important. If you don’t know someone very well, you may not be able to trust them or there may be some things in their past that you don’t like. There are many instances of couples who rush to get married but have second thoughts as the wedding date approaches. If you have many doubts as you move towards this great life step, perhaps it’s best to take a step back and reconsider.
Context #2
Sophie: I’m getting nervous. I don’t think this is a good idea, Margie.
Margie: Are you serious? We’ve been preparing for this for weeks! This is the only way we can pass our chemistry test. We have to cheat!
Sophie: It doesn’t feel right. I’m having second thoughts. Maybe we should just try and study more.
Margie: Are you crazy? The test is tomorrow. We don’t have time!
Sophie: What if we get caught? We’ll get a zero on the test AND be in trouble. We can try our best and get a score we deserve.
Margie: I can’t believe you’re changing your mind. You can go ahead and study. I’m going to get a perfect score on tomorrow’s test without you.
Explanation:
When someone has second thoughts, they are reconsidering their decision and there’s a chance they could change their mind. Their 1st (first) thought is their original plan/idea. Their 2nd (second) thought comes when they doubt their 1st one and begin thinking of a way out.
In Example 1 on the subject of marriage, the writer shares an example of a couple who rushes to marry, only for one of them to have second thoughts. Their first thought was “yes! Let’s get married!” Their second thought is now more like, “hmm, maybe this isn’t the best idea..”
In Example 2, the girls are preparing to cheat on an exam (1st thought), but then Sophie has second thoughts (maybe it’s not such a good idea after all). Sophie changes her mind and doesn’t participate in the cheating with Margie.
If someone has second thoughts, they might not always change her mind. If someone is having second thoughts about their wedding, it’s very possible they are just nervous but will still get married.
More examples:
I am having second thoughts about changing careers. I like my current job.
Jan had second thoughts about buying those shoes. Her bank account was nearly empty.
I have a sky diving appointment this weekend. I’m excited, but also nervous. I’m worried I will have second thoughts once I’m in the plane.
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