L'escalier Quotes
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L'esprit de l'escalier
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More L'escalier Quotes
L'esprit de l'escalier. Staircase wit.
Denis Diderot— 1773-8 That is, the witty reply that comes to mind after leaving the company, while descending the stairs. Paradoxe sur le come d ien (published1830).
Je n'ai jamais d'esprit qu'au bas de l'escalier.
— I never have wit until I am below stairs.
— Jean de La Bruyère, according to J. J. Rousseau. Esprit de l'escalier, backstair wit, is credited to M. de Treville by Pierre Nicole. For use of this phrase see The King's English, p. 32. Note.
