Learn about the feeling of l'Esprit de l'Escalier with iMinds insightful knowledge series.

There's nothing like a good comeback. It's witty, snappy and completely devastating to your verbal sparring partner. A woman once said to US President Calvin Coolidge: "I've made a bet with a friend that I can get you to say at least three words to me this evening. What do you have to say to that?" Coolidge looked at her and calmly replied: "You lose."

But how many times have you gone completely blank when arguing with someone, only to think of the perfect comeback an hour later? It's too late, of course. More than anything, you wish you could wind back time and deliver your riposte at the perfect moment. That's l'esprit de l'escalier.

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