1.
showing one's hand late (esp. cheating at janken); acting only after others
Deliberately making one's move after seeing what an opponent has done, so as to gain an unfair advantage. Originally the cheating move in janken; widely used figuratively for opinions or decisions made only once the outcome is clear.
後出しはずるい。
Showing your hand late is unfair.
じゃんけんで後出しをしてはいけない。
You must not throw late in rock-paper-scissors.
結果が出てから文句を言うのは、後出しのようなものだ。
Complaining only after the results are out is like showing your hand late.
"後" (after) + "出し" (putting out). Literally throwing one's janken hand after the opponent. Takes する: 後出しをする.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 後出しじゃんけん: cheating at janken by throwing late (also a common metaphor for hindsight criticism)
- 後出しをする: to show one's hand late
- 後出しで批判する: to criticize with the benefit of hindsight
USAGE:
Carries a strong negative nuance of unfairness. The figurative 後出しじゃんけん is often aimed at people who state an opinion only once the safe answer is obvious.