l'esprit de l'escalier

 (le-SPREE  des-kal-i-YE)

Saw this in print today and again am reminded that there are so many French words that really have no English equal.

Literally, it means "witticism of the staircase". 
"Right" you say, and that is supposed to mean....what?

Well, the French use it to mean that feeling you get when you leave a conversation and suddenly think of all the things you should have said.
Sort of coming up with the perfect response, but after the fact.

For example, you're shocked or made speechless by someones remarks but don't think of a proper come back "until you reach the bottom of the staircase" and it's now too late to use it.  Get it?

So, we've all experienced it...

that l'esprit de l'escalier !

now, see if you can work it into a conversation!