ProverbWisdomGreek origin

Second thoughts are best.

Meaning: Hasty decisions often falter; pausing to reconsider reveals wiser paths forward.

Who said it? Euripides, Hippolytus

Origin: From Euripides' tragedy Hippolytus, where the Nurse, having changed her mind about Phaedra's secret love, excuses herself with the observation that among mortals second thoughts are wiser. It has served as a defense of reconsidering ever since.

Equivalents in Italian

  • Italian: Il secondo pensiero è il migliore (literally: Second thoughts are best)

Explore another collection: Idioms

Colorful expressions from dozens of languages, with their word-for-word translations.

Browse all idioms →

Keep exploring

Explore all proverbs →