# hindsight is 20/20

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hindsight-is-2020
Updated: 2026-08-10

## 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.

## Examples

- I made a mistake, but hindsight is 20/20.
- I should have invested in that company earlier, but hindsight is 20/20.
- While we regret the decision now, we must remember that hindsight is 20/20 and we lacked the necessary information at the time.

## Origin

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.