What is that phrase about stairs?

February 24, 2006 12:50 PM

What is that odd phrase for when of you think of the perfect response, but at a time far too late to respond? It has something to do with "stairs."
posted by a47danger to Writing & Language (12 answers total)

Best answer: Staircase wit?
posted by Gator at 12:51 PM on February 24, 2006

The French "esprit d'escalier"... which is what it says in the previous link. Oh well.
posted by GuyZero at 12:53 PM on February 24, 2006

Response by poster: Bingo. Now I'll be able to sleep tonight!
posted by a47danger at 12:54 PM on February 24, 2006

Damn, I wish I'd been able to answer sooner.
posted by Pollomacho at 12:58 PM on February 24, 2006

In German, I think it is called treppenwitz.
posted by Falconetti at 1:17 PM on February 24, 2006

Gator's on a roll.
posted by lyam at 1:21 PM on February 24, 2006

I always just say "just like george costanza"
posted by puke & cry at 2:08 PM on February 24, 2006

See also.
posted by mlis at 2:13 PM on February 24, 2006

Damn, Gator beat me to it. LOL
posted by CCK at 4:22 PM on February 24, 2006

stairway comeback or hallway comeback around here....
posted by Rumple at 4:36 PM on February 24, 2006

Marge: Why do I always think of the perfect thing to say when it's too late? "Shut up, Becky!" Oh, that would have been sweet.
posted by parallax7d at 8:35 AM on February 25, 2006

I usually call it "3 Day Delay Syndrome"; didn't know there was an actual name for it!
posted by divabat at 4:17 AM on February 26, 2006