hindsight is 20/20

idiom

Meaning

In hindsight things are obvious that were not obvious from the outset; one is able to evaluate past choices more clearly than at the time of the choice.

Origin

disputed origin

From the term 20/20 referring to normal visual acuity.

Examples

SIMPLE

I made a mistake, but hindsight is 20/20.

CONTEXTUAL

I should have invested in that company earlier, but hindsight is 20/20.

COMPLEX

While we regret the decision now, we must remember that hindsight is 20/20 and we lacked the necessary information at the time.

Anchors to

hindsight

Related idioms1entry

01
twenty-twenty hindsight
A perfect understanding of events only after they have happened.