Pronunciation: /ɛˌsprit dɛˈskæ.ljeɪ/
noun a French term that literally translates to 'staircase wit'; the act of thinking of a clever comeback or response too late, after the opportunity has passed
A1 I often experience esprit d’escalier when I think of the perfect response too late.
A2 Esprit d’escalier is the feeling of thinking of a witty comeback after the conversation has ended.
B1 Esprit d’escalier can be frustrating when you come up with a clever response too late.
B2 Many people can relate to the concept of esprit d’escalier in social situations.
C1 The term esprit d’escalier is often used to describe the phenomenon of thinking of the perfect reply too late.
C2 Esprit d’escalier is a common experience for those who enjoy analyzing conversations and interactions.
formal During the debate, I often find myself experiencing esprit d’escalier, thinking of better arguments long after the conversation has ended.
informal I hate it when I come up with the perfect comeback hours later, that's esprit d’escalier for you.
slang Man, I always have esprit d’escalier when I think of the best insults after an argument.
figurative The feeling of esprit d’escalier is like climbing the stairs of regret, wishing you had said something different in the moment.
thought of
esprits d'escalier
more esprit d'escalier
most esprit d'escalier
has esprit d'escalier
will have esprit d'escalier
has had esprit d'escalier
is having esprit d'escalier
esprit d'escalier
esprit d'escalier
to have esprit d'escalier
having esprit d'escalier
having had esprit d'escalier