think better of

think (the) better of (one)

To have an improved opinion of someone; to hold someone in higher regard or esteem than previously. Your boss will think better of you if you stand up for yourself. I don't really care whether they think the better of us or not—we're doing this because it's the right thing to do.
See also: better, of, think

think better of it/(something)

To decide against doing something because one realizes it is not a good idea. I was going to try to steal the other team's mascot costume, but I thought better of it when I saw the security guard at the entrance. I'm glad you thought better of dying your hair white. It would not have been a good look for you.
See also: better, of, think
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

think better of someone or something

to raise one's opinion of someone or something. I think better of him since I saw how well he does in the sales meetings. I hope that you will think better of the plan now.
See also: better, of, think

think better of something

to reconsider doing something and end up not doing it. I hope that you will think better of what you are doing and how many people you are hurting. I will think better of making such a careless remark next time.
See also: better, of, think
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

think better of

Reconsider, change one's mind about, as in I hope you'll think better of it before you quit your job. [c. 1600]
See also: better, of, think
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

think ˈbetter of it/of doing something

decide not to do something that you were intending to do: He was about to say something, but then he thought better of it and kept quiet.
See also: better, of, something, think
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

think better of

To change one's mind about (a course of action) after reconsideration: I almost bought an expensive watch, but then I thought better of it.
See also: better, of, think

think better of

To change one's mind about; reconsider.
See also: better, of, think
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • accompany (one) on a/(one's) journey
  • accompany on a journey
  • bargain
  • bargain for (someone or something) with (someone)
  • a stranger to (someone or something)
  • be out of (one's) league
  • be out of somebody's league
  • be in bad with (someone)
  • (one) puts (one's) pants on one leg at a time
  • benefit of the doubt, to give/have the
References in periodicals archive
If they do, they will almost immediately begin to think better of us.
TOUCHE BOUCHER JOHN WESLEY'S GALLANT SUBJECTS
"I have listened to the words of Roberto Carlos, Flavio Conceicao and even Panucci, and they have made me think better of moving," he added.
Savio says no to Chelsea; FOOTBALL
If claimants know that lies will be exposed, perhaps they will think better of blaming and claiming.
Blaming and claiming
I hope that some publicity will make them think better of it.
Comment: Credit customers are getting a raw deal
More than half of voters believe the appointment of two more women to Cameron's Cabinet is window dressing and doesn't make them think better of the Tories, according to an opinion poll.
I'LL BANG THE DRUM FOR HER
That may be so, but our leaders better think better of raiding ordinary family's finances again.
Rocky road to recovery evens out; COMMENT Park House, 191 - 197 North Circular Road, Dublin 7 Tel: 01 868 8600, Fax 01 868 8626
Norwich was invented in a desperate bid to make us think better of Ipswich.
Canaries are not so yellow