What does “Rest on your laurels” mean?
"Rest on your laurels" means to be satisfied with your past achievements and not make any further effort to improve or succeed.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After winning the championship, he decided to rest on his laurels and didn't train as hard for the next season.
Example
She achieved great success early in her career, but instead of resting on her laurels, she continued to work hard and improve.
Example
Don't rest on your laurels after completing a difficult project; keep pushing yourself to achieve even more
Is “Rest on your laurels” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Rest on your laurels” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Rest on your laurels” effectively in context?
You can use "Rest on your laurels" to caution someone against becoming complacent or stagnant after achieving success. It emphasizes the importance of continuous effort and improvement. For example, if a colleague receives praise for a job well done, you might say, 'Congratulations, but don't rest on your laurels. Keep pushing yourself to reach new heights.'
- 1Career
After receiving a promotion, it's important not to rest on your laurels but to continue working hard and seeking new opportunities.
- 2Sports
Winning a championship is a great accomplishment, but athletes should never rest on their laurels and always strive for improvement.
- 3Academics
Getting good grades is commendable, but students should not rest on their laurels and should keep challenging themselves to learn and grow.
Similar phrases to “Rest on your laurels”:
To become self-satisfied and stop making an effort to improve or succeed
Example
After reaching their sales target, the team became complacent and stopped pushing for further growth.
Rest on one's past accomplishments
To rely on past achievements without making any further effort to improve or succeed
Example
He was content to rest on his past accomplishments and didn't strive for new goals.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Rest on your laurels” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Rest on your laurels" can be traced back to ancient Greece. In ancient times, laurel wreaths were given to victors in athletic competitions and other contests. Resting on one's laurels referred to the act of basking in the glory of past achievements and not striving for further success.
Is “Rest on your laurels” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Rest on your laurels" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to remind people to stay motivated and continue working towards their goals, rather than becoming complacent with past achievements.
What tone does “Rest on your laurels” have?
"Rest on your laurels" conveys a tone of caution and encouragement. It is used to motivate individuals to keep striving for success and not become stagnant or complacent.
Can “Rest on your laurels” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Rest on your laurels" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of continuous improvement and avoiding complacency. You can use it in conversations with friends, colleagues, and even in professional settings such as meetings or presentations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After winning the award, she decided not to rest on her laurels and continued to work hard.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "rest on your laurels"!' to imply the need for continuous effort.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- settle for mediocrity
- become stagnant
- become self-satisfied
- lose motivation
- stop striving
Antonyms
- strive for excellence
- keep pushing forward
- seek new challenges
- continuously improve
- never be satisfied
