second (redirected from S)

another bite at the cherry (British, British)

another opportunity to achieve something or to get something you want. He just missed a gold medal in the 100 metres, but got another bite at the cherry in the 400 metres. She failed the exam but she will get a second bite at the cherry next year.

See also: another, bite, cherry

be second to none

to be better than anything or anyone else. The hotel's restaurant facilities are second to none.

See also: none

come off second best

to be beaten in a competition or an argument. I've given up arguing with my big brother because I always come off second best.

See also: best, come

get a/your second wind (British, American & Australian, American)

to suddenly have new energy to continue doing something after you were feeling tired. After two hours we could hardly walk another step, but we got a second wind as we neared home.

See also: wind

not give something a second thought

without a second thought - if you do something without a second thought, you do it without thinking about whether or not you should. He'd fire you if he had to - he wouldn't give it a second thought.

See also: give, thought

have second thoughts

if you have second thoughts about something, you change your opinion or start to have doubts about it. You're not having second thoughts about coming to Brighton with me, are you? (often + about)

See also: thought

on second thoughts (British & Australian, American & Australian)

have second thoughts - if you have second thoughts about something, you change your opinion or start to have doubts about it. I'll have tea, please - on second thoughts, make that coffee.

See also: thought

play second fiddle

if you play second fiddle to someone, they are in a stronger position or are more important than you. You'll have to choose between your wife and me. I won't play second fiddle to anyone. (usually + to)

See also: fiddle, play

second best

something that is not as good as the thing that you really want. I know exactly what sort of apartment I'm looking for and I'm not going to settle for second best.

See also: best

a second-class citizen

someone who is treated as if they are less important than other people in society. Although she was married to an Australian, Louise couldn't get a work visa and it made her feel like a second-class citizen.

second-guess someone/something

1. to try to guess what will happen or what someone will do. It's not for us to second-guess the court's decision - we'll just have to wait and see.

(American & Australian)

2. to criticize someone's actions or an event after it has happened. It's easy to second-guess the team's coach - but let's face it, he made big mistakes.

without a second thought

if you do something without a second thought, you do it without thinking about whether or not you should. She doesn't worry about money - she'll spend a hundred pounds on a dress without a second thought.

See also: thought, without

---

get a second wind

to have increased energy or strength after feeling tired or weak. The automobile industry seems to have gotten a second wind. Fred somehow got his second wind about halfway through the race.

See also: wind

have second thoughts

to consider changing a decision you have already made. Sean Elliott appears to be having second thoughts about retirement. Some of the biggest companies are having second thoughts about jumping into the Internet access business.

on second thought

See also: thought

just a secondSee: just a minute

See also: just

on second thought

after having thought about something again. On second thought we decided that it would be too expensive to fly, so we took a bus instead.

(but) then again

have second thoughts

See also: thought

play second fiddle (to someone/something)

to be in a less important position than someone or something else. Radio has been playing second fiddle to television for decades now.

Usage notes: sometimes used without play

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of second fiddle (= the lower part for a violin, a musical instrument with strings)

See also: fiddle, play

second to none

better than anything or anyone else. The hotel's restaurant is second to none.

See also: none

wait a second

I have just thought of something important. Wait a second — when was the last time he stayed here?

Usage notes: usually used to interrupt someone

See also: wait

without a second thought

without stopping to consider whether something is wise or right. She doesn't worry about money — she'll spend a hundred bucks on a dress without a second thought.

See also: thought, without