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.
- 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.
