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Hindsight's 20-20

Posted by James Briggs on June 29, 2005

In Reply to: Hindsight's 20-20 posted by Bob on June 29, 2005

: : What does the expression "hindsight's 20-20" mean? Could someone explain?

: : Thank you,

: : Mikko Viljanen, Helsinki

: 20-20, more often written 20/20, is the standard for clear vision. When an eye doctor measures eyesight, a reading of 20/20 represents clarity. Hindsight, looking back on what has already happened, allows us to see clearly the course of action we should have taken, but perhaps didn't. So ... if you nag me with what I should have done yesterday, I will gently remind you that your hindsight is 20/20, but where was all this good advice when I needed it?

In the UK, although '20/20' is used in the above colloquial sense, if you have your eyes tested perfect vision is given 6/6 or, even better, 6/5. I have a vague memory that this is to do with angles needed to view a letter, but don't quote me!

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