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second-guess

to vet or evaluate; to criticize or correct, often by hindsight, by presuming to have a better idea, method, etc.

Etymology:

  • From trying to improve with a second stab.
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I suppose anybody who keeps a diary and subsequently goes over it for publication has a tremendous temptation to second-guess and make himself look like an oracle.

Submitted on July 10, 2018

Additional definitions for 'second-guess':

second-guessPresumably from trying to guess with second sight.
second-guessPresumably from trying to improve with a second stab.
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    "second-guess." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 22 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/second-guess_26448>.

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