but then
Definition of but then
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.
From the M-W Editors
Word by Word Definitions
: at that time
: soon after that : next in order of time
: following next after in order of position, narration, or enumeration : being next in a series
: that time
: existing or acting at or belonging to the time mentioned
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