Meaning of staircase wit | Babel Free

Definitions

The thinking of an idea or course of action too late to use it effectively, or the tendency to do so.

idiomatic, rare, uncountable

Examples

“When I have⟳ completed a manuscript, if I lay⟳ it away in a drawer or pigeon-hole, it lies there quietly enough, and my mind⟳ seems wholly discharged of it. But if I mail it, I straightaway find⟳ myself tormented with "staircase wit" in the shape⟳ of emendations.”

“So-called Staircase Wit is another example, where we key ourselves up for an important event—an interview, say⟳, or a date⟳—rehearsing how we are going to present⟳ ourselves and what we are going to say⟳. Then afterwards we lie⟳ awake⟳ thinking of all the witty, intelligent, charming things we should have⟳ done and said, and didn't because we were so busy trying to remember⟳ and revise⟳ the plan⟳, […]”

“One of the most insightful thinkers I know⟳, the computer entrepreneur Yossi Vardi, prompted me to summarize⟳ "my idea" while standing on one leg. It was not too convenient to stand⟳ on one leg after a few glasses of perfumed Riesling, so I failed in my improvisation. The next day I experienced staircase wit.”

CEFR level