second-guess oneself
[/ˈsɛkənd ɡɛs wʌnˈsɛlf/]
verb phrase
duvidar de si mesmo
1. to doubt or question one's own decisions, abilities, or judgment after the fact; to lack confidence in one's choices
She second-guessed herself after the interview, wondering if she had answered the questions correctly.
Ela duvidou de si mesma após a entrevista, perguntando-se se tinha respondido as perguntas corretamente.
2. to reconsider a decision repeatedly without taking action, often leading to indecision or anxiety
Stop second-guessing yourself and just trust your instincts.
Pare de duvidar de si mesmo e confie apenas nos seus instintos.
This phrase reflects a common psychological experience in both American and Brazilian cultures. In the US, it's often discussed in self-help and motivational contexts, emphasizing the importance of self-confidence. In Brazil, while the concept is understood, there's often more emphasis on intuition and feeling ('confiança') as counterbalance to overthinking. The phrase is widely used in professional, academic, and personal contexts across both cultures.
NYC Slang
doubt yourself / trip on yourself
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