What does “Settled on your lees” mean?
"Settled on your lees" means to become complacent or stagnant, especially after achieving a certain level of success or comfort.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After winning the championship, the team settled on their lees and stopped putting in the same effort.
Example
He was content with his current job and settled on his lees, not seeking any further career advancements.
Example
The company had a period of rapid growth, but then settled on its lees and failed to innovate
Is “Settled on your lees” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Settled on your lees” 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 “Settled on your lees” effectively in context?
You can use "Settled on your lees" to describe someone or something that has become complacent or stagnant after achieving a certain level of success or comfort. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this expression:
- 1Sports
After winning the championship, the team settled on their lees and stopped putting in the same effort.
- 2Career
He was content with his current job and settled on his lees, not seeking any further career advancements.
- 3Business
The company had a period of rapid growth, but then settled on its lees and failed to innovate.
Similar phrases to “Settled on your lees”:
To continue at the same level without making any extra effort or progress
Example
He was coasting in his job, not taking on any new challenges or responsibilities.
Stagnating
To remain unchanged or make no progress over a period of time
Example
The company's lack of innovation led to stagnating sales and market share.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Settled on your lees” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Settled on your lees" can be traced back to winemaking. In the process of making wine, after fermentation, the liquid is left to settle and the sediment, known as 'lees,' sinks to the bottom. If the wine is not properly racked or decanted, it can become stagnant and lose its flavor. This process inspired the expression, which metaphorically refers to becoming complacent or stagnant after achieving a certain level of success or comfort.
Is “Settled on your lees” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Settled on your lees" is not as common in everyday conversation compared to more widely used expressions. However, it can still be understood and used effectively in the right context.
What tone does “Settled on your lees” have?
"Settled on your lees" conveys a tone of criticism or caution. It implies a sense of missed opportunities or potential for growth due to complacency.
Can “Settled on your lees” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Settled on your lees" is more formal in nature and may be better suited for professional or literary contexts. It may not be commonly used in casual conversations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase "Settled on your lees" is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After achieving success, he settled on his lees and stopped pursuing new challenges.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't settle on your lees!' to imply the importance of continuous growth and improvement.
