esprit de l'escalier
/ɛˌspriː də lɛˈskaljeɪ
/ /ɛspʀi də lɛskalje/noun [mass noun]
Used to refer to the fact that a witty remark or retort often comes to mind after the opportunity to make it has passed.I am frequently afflicted with esprit de l'escalier....
- Now if I'd managed to say all that off the cuff then I would be a genius comedian, but as it was I had to make do with experiencing esprit de l'escalier on the way home.
Origin
French, literally 'wit of the staircase' (i.e. a witty remark coming to mind on the stairs leading away from a gathering).
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