This phrase is included in the wonderful book They Have a Word For It, which I know some of us on the board are familiar with, and the others should get to know. I'm particularly fond of this phrase, as I was visiting some friends in Paris years ago, and had an argument with a friend of mine while out on the town. Then, upon returning to the house of the friends I was staying with, while on the staircase, I thought of the witty reply I had needed earlier. I don't recall the exchange at all, but this word has always rung very true for me, as I actually thought of the witticism while on the escalier - not only a staircase, but a French one.