Esprit de l'escalier

Posted by R. Berg on March 14, 2005

In Reply to: Esprit de l'escalier posted by ESC on March 13, 2005

: : There is a french saying that relates to something that you wish you had said but didn't. I believe the english equivalent is "the wish on the stairs."

: : Does anyone know the french saying? I would appreciate it.

: : bobgerold@aol.com

: Esprit de l'escalier (es-pree der less-kal-lay) -- A witty remark that occurs to you too late, literally on the way down the stairs. From "In Other Words: A Language Guide to the Most Intriguing Words Around the World" by Christopher J. Moore (Levenger Press, Walker and Co., New York, 2004).

Often translated in English as "staircase wit."