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New2grammar Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

second guess

After looking it up in the dictionary, I still don't understand the usage of second guess.

X: The answer is A.
Y: I don't think the answer is A.

Is Y second guessing?
Thanks.
  

Top answer

New2grammar Is Y second guessing? I wouldn't say so. This is simple disagreement.

— CalifJim

  • New2grammar Is Y second guessing?
  • I wouldn't say so.
  • This is simple disagreement.
  • Second-guessing is criticizing someone's motives.
  • It's calling into question the reasoning or motives behind someone's decision.
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3 Answers
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New2grammarIs Y second guessing?
I wouldn't say so. This is simple disagreement.
Second-guessing is criticizing someone's motives. It's calling into question the reasoning or motives behind someone's decision.
Say that a public official makes a decision. He gives money, let's say, to a charitable organization. People start criticizing, saying that
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Your explanation is really clear. What triggered me asking this question is actually a post by Martin. If you look at his post, he said he second guessed himself but I see no link between your definition and his case. I may not completely understand the usage, so please help me see his usage. (at the bottom in the first page). There are no motives. I see only disagreement just like my original ex
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second-guess
1 : to apply hindsight to or to the course of action of

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Monday morning quarterbacking ...
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