The phrase "mere afterthought" means something that was not given much importance compared to other things. It suggests that it was not a primary consideration and was only thought about later or as an additional thing. Full definition
The unfinished progressive priorities Cuomo set for himself after negotiating the state budget and in the State of the State were mere afterthoughts in the last week, when lawmakers instead focused on some lower - hanging fruit: a package to combat the heroin epidemic, a pause on Common Core - based teacher evaluations and a bill to let New York City reduce its speed limit to 25 m.p.h. (politico.com)
Watching two pros like Mr. Landau and Mr. Sorvino go at each other is quite a treat — though you best enjoy old men talking about sex, as the subtleties of pride, masculinity and self - identity of men are mere afterthoughts here. (moviereviewsfromthedark.com)
Just outside of Uber's spotlight are a handful of upstart companies in the person - moving space whose safety policies are not mere afterthoughts but integral to their offerings. (inc.com)