esprit : Idioms & Phrases

Index

bel esprit

  • noun a witty or clever person with a fine mind
WordNet

bel-esprit

Bel"-es*prit" noun
Etymology
F., fine wit.
Wordforms
plural Beaux-esprits
Definitions
  1. A fine genius, or man of wit. "A man of letters and a bel esprit." W. Irving.
Webster 1913

Esprit de corps

  • noun the spirit of a group that makes the members want the group to succeed
    morale; team spirit.
WordNet
  • a French phrase much used by English writers to denote the common spirit pervading the members of a body or association of persons. It implies sympathy, enthusiasm, devotion, and jealous regard for the honor of the body as a whole.
Webster 1913

esprit de l'escalier

  • noun a witty remark that occurs to you too late
WordNet