Learn English – Idiom for something like vantage point / perspective, but for point in time rather than place

idiom-requests

Vantage point is described by Merriam Webster as "a position from which something is viewed or considered".

In this definition, how literal is "position" to be taken? I have the feeling this is somewhat flexible, but I'm looking for a word that describes this concept, but specifically (and unambiguously) for a point in time.

Example:
When I finally delivered the book back to the library last week, it was already three weeks late.

Here I am considering the situation from the "position" of last week.

Best Answer

Have you tried "in hindsight" or "in foresight"? They refer to a new understanding of a situation or a problem when viewed at another time.

From Merriam-Webster:

hindsight 
: the knowledge and understanding that you have about an
event only after it has happened
:  perception of the nature of an event after it has happened

foresight
:  the ability to see what will or might happen in the future
:  an act or the power of foreseeing :  prescience
:  provident care :  prudence <had the foresight to invest his money wisely>
:  an act of looking forward; also :  a view forward
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