to second-guess
27
6.1
- phrasal verb
- /ˈsɛkəndˌɡɛs/
- Informal
:
cuestionar
- Don't let a buyer sit around starting to second guess things because guess what?
- second-guess judgment
- second-guess a decision
If you were gaslighted, you learn to second guess yourself, to doubt yourself.
- If you were gaslighted, you learn to second guess yourself, to doubt yourself.
- If you start, you know, second guessing yourself, don't put it on.
- Does it mean that that suddenly you start second guessing, third guessing?
- Well, you know, you wouldn't second guess that.
- I, I tend to sit like annoyingly close to my editor and then second guess at every single step.
- And I'm also always trying to be so intentional with my content that I start to second guess myself.
- Make them question their abilities, second guess their decisions, and believe they are not good enough no matter how much progress they make.
Examples
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As a result, the argument goes, it is inappropriate for courts to second-guess legislatures on a controversial question of economic policy.
Academic text (1997) -
Before you finalize your plan, I encourage you to second-guess your decisions and consider the potential outcomes.
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And some are worried that justices are prepared to second guess state court decisions on state election law.
-
You need to trust 'em, stop second-guessing yourself.
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I think if most critics knew how much it hurt the people that they are writing about, they would second guess the way they write these things.
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Without more facts, I am not second-guessing the decision of the Special Justice.
Blog text (13) -
And I'm also always trying to be so intentional with my content that I start to second guess myself.
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Yeah, well, we can second-guess all day, but what's the point when it worked?
Blog text (28) -
And appellate courts are loath to second-guess a trial court's decision to admit a witness as an expert.
Academic text (2002) -
Instead of second guessing her intentions or worrying about misreading signals, you can fully embrace the moment and enjoy the connection that is unfolding.
Synonyms
3
8.7
To criticize decisions after they happen
Antonyms
How Critical
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Second-guess combines second ('another' or 'a second opinion') and guess ('to suppose'). A helpful way to remember it is to imagine someone giving another guess after they know the result, so they criticize or doubt a decision after it has been made.