事后诸葛亮

事后诸葛亮

Literally means:

be wise man only after an unpleasant happening

Actually means:

Mr Second-Guess

诸葛亮 prime minister of the Shu during the Three Kingdoms period, was well-known for his wisdom. Later people use his name to refer to wise people in general.

This phrase means that one comes up with a good idea after the event, hoping to show to others how wise he is. It often implies that the good idea or suggestion is useless if it is not offered in time or that one's wisdom after the event does not help. Derogatory.

诸葛亮，三国时候的蜀国（现在四川）丞相，很聪明，后人用他来指代很聪明的人。

事后诸葛亮，比喻事情过去以后才提出好办法，借以显示自己的高明多指高明的主意不及时提出来便毫无价值，或事后的聪明起不了作用。具有贬义色彩。