Szemhátra

Szemhátra is a Hungarian term that literally translates to "eye back" or "back of the eye." In a figurative sense, it describes a situation where someone is looking back, either physically or metaphorically, at something that has already happened or is in the past. This can imply regret, nostalgia, or a lingering focus on past events.

The phrase is often used to express that someone is not fully present in the current moment because their attention is still occupied by what has transpired before. For example, if someone is struggling to move on from a past mistake, one might say they are "looking eye back" at it. Similarly, it can describe someone who is constantly replaying past conversations or experiences in their mind.

In some contexts, szemhátra can also refer to a person who is overly concerned with tradition or the way things used to be, to the detriment of embracing new ideas or future possibilities. It suggests a reluctance to let go of the past and a tendency to view the present through the lens of what has already occurred. This can sometimes be seen as a sign of being stuck or unable to adapt to changing circumstances.