Definition of esprit de l'escalier in English:

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.

  Example sentences

  • ‘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.’