then again: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘then again’ mean?
The idiom "then again" is used to introduce a contrasting or opposite viewpoint or idea. It implies a shift in perspective or a reconsideration of a previous statement. It is often used when acknowledging a different argument or point of view.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "you can say that again" means that someone strongly agrees with what has just been said.
The idiom "turn back" means to go back or reverse direction. It is commonly used to express the action of returning to a previous location or reversing a decision or action.
The idiom "think back" means to reflect or remember a previous time or event. It often involves recalling memories or considering past experiences in order to gain insight or make comparisons to the present.
The idiom "start over" means to begin again or to make a fresh start after a setback or failure.
The idiom "say again" is used to ask someone to repeat or clarify what they have just said.
The idiom "over and over again" means repeatedly doing or experiencing something.
The idiom "on the other side of" is used to refer to a different viewpoint, perspective, or situation than the one currently being discussed or considered.
An idiom meaning to present an alternative viewpoint or contrasting information.
The idiom "on the one hand" is used to introduce a contrasting point or argument, indicating that there is another perspective to consider. It suggests that there are different sides to a situation or decision.
The idiom "on second thought" indicates a change of mind or opinion after reconsidering a decision or viewpoint.
The idiom "on second thought" refers to a change in one's opinion or decision after reconsidering a previous stance. It signifies a shift from an initial viewpoint to an alternative perspective. This phrase is deeply ingrained in American English and is commonly used in everyday conversations, both in formal and informal settings.
Shifting Interpretations
Then again is an idiom commonly used in English. It introduces a contrasting or opposite point of view. The phrase is derived from the combination of the adverb "then" and the adverb "again". Individually, "then" indicates a point in time, while "again" indicates repetition or recurrence. However, when used together, the idiom takes on a different meaning.
When "then again" is used in a sentence, it signals a shift in perspective or a reconsideration of a previous statement. It invites the listener or reader to question their assumptions and consider an alternative viewpoint. Let's explore how this idiom is related to other idioms like "but then", "once again", "you can say that again", and "say again".
An example of the usage of "then again" in a sentence could be:
"I thought the movie was great. But then, I'm a big fan of the director's work."
In this example, the speaker initially expresses a positive opinion of the movie. However, by using the idiom "but then", they introduce a contrasting viewpoint that suggests their opinion might be biased due to their admiration for the director.
Another related idiom is "once again". This phrase conveys the idea of repetition or recurrence. It can be used to introduce a similar situation or action that has happened before. For example:
"I failed the exam again. Once again, I didn't study enough."
In this sentence, "once again" emphasizes the repetition of the speaker's failure to study adequately for the exam.
The idiom "you can say that again" is used to express strong agreement or affirmation. It can be seen as a way to emphasize and support a statement. For instance:
"That cake was delicious! You can say that again!"
Here, the phrase "you can say that again" reinforces the speaker's enthusiasm and agreement with the statement about the cake's deliciousness.
Similarly, the phrase "say again" is used to ask someone to repeat what they said. It is often used when the listener didn't hear or understand the previous statement. An example could be:
"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. Say again?"
In this case, "say again" is used to politely ask the speaker to repeat what they said.
Overall, idioms like "then again", "but then", "once again", "you can say that again", and "say again" add depth and nuance to our language. They allow for the introduction of contrasting viewpoints, repetition, emphasis, and clarification. These idioms reflect the ever-evolving nature of language and its ability to convey meaning in diverse situations.
Language is a powerful tool, and idioms are just one aspect of its richness. Whether we're using idioms like "then again" or exploring new ways to express ourselves, language offers endless possibilities for communication and understanding.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "then again" can be used in a sentence:
- She said she didn't like the movie, but then again, she loves romantic comedies.
- I thought the dress was too expensive, but then again, it was a designer brand.
- He claims to be a great chef, but then again, I've never tasted his cooking.
More "Conjunction" idioms
