but then

idiom

1

—used to introduce a statement that adds another and different thought to a preceding statement

I'm surprised to hear that Tom has left the army. But then I suppose he never was the type to obey orders.

—sometimes used to introduce an explanation for something

His cakes are amazing—but then he did study with some of the best pastry chefs in the world.

2

—used to introduce a statement that tells about something different or surprising that happened next

The team won the first two games, but then failed to win any of the next five.

Examples of but then in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Now cars must be fast, but then objective was really the beauty of the object. —Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 13 Sep. 2024

The film hit a particular note but then didn’t vary that note. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2024

The Canada warehouses are non-bonded, which means brands pay Canadian duties upon entry into Canada, but then file a duty drawback to recoup costs via the company’s preferred partner, Canusa Logistics. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 16 Aug. 2024

Having little more than maybe a toaster on a tour bus is less than ideal for preparing a meal, but then again, so is the lack of solitude. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2024