think twice

Meaning

To consider something very carefully before doing it, usually because there is a risk of making a mistake or facing negative consequences. It is often used in the negative ('not think twice') to show that someone did something immediately without hesitation.

Examples

• You should think twice before quitting your job without another one lined up.

  You should think twice before quitting your job without another one lined up.

• I would think twice about lending him money; he rarely pays people back.

  I would think twice about lending him money; he rarely pays people back.

• She didn't think twice about helping her friend move, even though she was tired.

  She didn't think twice about helping her friend move, even though she was tired.

• If I were you, I'd think twice before saying something you might regret.

  If I were you, I'd think twice before saying something you might regret.

• Most people would think twice before walking alone in that neighborhood at night.

  Most people would think twice before walking alone in that neighborhood at night.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ You should think two times before signing.

  ✓ You should think twice before signing.

  While 'two times' means the same thing, the established idiomatic expression is strictly 'think twice.'

• ✗ I thought twice to buy the car.

  ✓ I thought twice about buying the car.

  'Think twice' is typically followed by 'about' and a gerund (-ing), not an infinitive.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I would ___ before trusting him with your secrets.

  💡 Consider carefully before acting.

  Show answer

  think twice

• She didn't ___ about accepting the job offer because it was her dream role.

  💡 Did not hesitate at all.

  Show answer

  think twice