réfléchir à deux fois

/ʁefleʃi a dø vwa/

phrase★Intermediate— to think twice

◆ What It Really Means

To carefully reconsider or pause before making a decision or taking action, often due to potential consequences or doubts.

¶ Literal Meaning

To think twice

Literal Breakdown

réfléchirto think+à deux foistwice

◇ Mental Image

The mental image of pausing and considering something carefully before acting.

◈ When to Use

A friend is about to make a rash decision, and you advise them to 'réfléchir à deux fois' to ensure they consider all possible outcomes.

◉ Cultural Note

This phrase reflects the French cultural value of careful deliberation and caution in decision-making.

informal

To carefully reconsider or pause before making a decision or taking action, often due to potential consequences or doubts.

Il a réfléchi à deux fois avant d'accepter cette offre d'emploi.

He thought twice before accepting this job offer.

Réfléchis à deux fois avant de parler à ton patron de cette manière.

Think twice before speaking to your boss like that.

💡

This phrase emphasizes the importance of careful consideration before acting.

Synonyms

to weigh the pros and cons

Use this phrase when advising someone to be cautious or when expressing your own hesitation about a decision.

The phrase combines 'réfléchir' (to think) and 'à deux fois' (twice), emphasizing the act of reconsidering.

This expression is commonly used to advise caution or to express hesitation about a decision.

Dictionnaire Français-Anglais