Second-guess

[Isbell]

Hi,
I would not second-guess any of this.
In the sentence above, I’d guess the phrase “second-guess” means the same thing as “guess”. But I’m less sure. According to dictionaries, ‘second-guess’ means ‘attempt to predict’.
I’m wondering if there is any difference between them?

Thanks.

[Luschen]

To me, second guess means to doubt your own or someone else’s decision.

“With the rain starting to fall, I am second-guessing my trip to the beach.”

“I would not second guess any of this.” means “I agree with all of it.”

[Our_Tort_System]

@Luschen

“With the rain starting to fall, I am second-guessing my trip to the beach.”

Hi Luschen,

Is it the same as “I’m having second thoughts about my trip to the beach”?

Thank you!

[Luschen]

Maybe my example wasn’t the best. You second-guess something after the decision has been made - you are already at the beach. You have second thoughts while you are still in the process of making the decision - you have not yet left for the beach.

[Our_Tort_System]

I see the difference now,
Thanks again!

PS:
I just looked it up here: idioms.thefreedictionary.com/hav … d+thoughts
It says that

have second thoughts
to consider changing a decision you have already made

I’m a bit confused, since you said that it means that [b]you’re in the process of making the decision[b]
Could you elaborate some more, maybe I’m missing something…

[Luschen]

I guess they are more similar than I thought. I do think that “second-guess” would come later in the process, “after the damage has been done” so to speak. Also, you can second-guess yourself or others, but you only have second thoughts about your own decisions.

[Our_Tort_System]

Ok, thanks for the heads-up!
I appreciate the fact that sometimes native speakers have slightly different opinions on stuff related to their language.
Or it could be that this particular dictionary messed up on this one.

[Dozy]

Dictionaries give two different definitions for “second-guess” that are almost opposites. This is from macmillandictionary.com/dict … cond-guess :

1 (American) to criticize a decision after the results of the decision are known

2 to guess what someone is going to do or what will happen

Luschen’s understanding of it seems closer to #1 (which would obviously make sense if he/she is from the US), whereas I am from the UK and I normally understand it to mean #2.

[Luschen]

@Our Tort System

Ok, thanks for the heads-up!
I appreciate the fact that sometimes native speakers have slightly different opinions on stuff related to their language.
Or it could be that this particular dictionary messed up on this one.

I would go with the dictionary! Especially with slang and idioms I think you are right that everybody has a slightly different definition in their minds. If you look at urban dictionary you can see the controversy over the definitions of some terms.

[Isbell]

@Luschen

To me, second guess means to doubt your own or someone else’s decision.
“With the rain starting to fall, I am second-guessing my trip to the beach.”
“I would not second guess any of this.” means “I agree with all of it.”

Thanks, Luschen.

@Dozy

Dictionaries give two different definitions for “second-guess” that are almost opposites. This is from macmillandictionary.com/dict … cond-guess :

1 (American) to criticize a decision after the results of the decision are known

2 to guess what someone is going to do or what will happen

Luschen’s understanding of it seems closer to #1 (which would obviously make sense if he/she is from the US), whereas I am from the UK and I normally understand it to mean #2.

Thanks, Dozy.