Pronunciation /eˌsprē də ˌleskəlˈyā//ɛˌspri də ˌlɛskəlˈjeɪ/
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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