A Monday morning quarterback
/ə ˌmʌndeɪ ˌmɔːnɪŋ ˈkwɔːtəbæk/informalUS
What does “A Monday morning quarterback” mean?
A Monday morning quarterback means someone who criticises decisions after seeing the result
After a picnic is ruined by rain, someone says you should have known better. If the forecast looked fine, that comment may sound like Monday morning quarterbacking.
Not every review of a mistake deserves this label. It is a criticism of easy hindsight, not an argument against learning from events.
When do people say it?
An American expression criticising someone who gives advice only after the outcome is known. It often suggests unfair hindsight.
“It's easy to be a Monday morning quarterback after rain ruins the picnic.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in US.
Where does it come from?
The image is of someone discussing a football game afterwards as though they could have made better decisions than the player.
Origin confidence: Disputed; treat with caution
How do you say “A Monday morning quarterback” in other languages?
Last updated 2026-11-04