What does “He laughs best who laughs last.” mean?
"He laughs best who laughs last" means that those who ultimately succeed or triumph in a situation will find the most satisfaction and joy in it. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance and not giving up, even when things are difficult.
What context can I use the in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
Don't worry about their mocking, remember that he laughs best who laughs last. Your success will be the ultimate revenge.
Don't worry about their mocking, remember that he laughs best who laughs last. Your success will be the ultimate revenge.
Example
They may be laughing now, but remember that he laughs best who laughs last. Keep working hard and prove them wrong.
They may be laughing now, but remember that he laughs best who laughs last. Keep working hard and prove them wrong.
Example
It may seem like they're winning now, but remember that he laughs best who laughs last. Stay focused and keep pushing forward
It may seem like they're winning now, but remember that he laughs best who laughs last. Stay focused and keep pushing forward
Is “He laughs best who laughs last.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“He laughs best who laughs last.” 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 “He laughs best who laughs last.” effectively in context?
You can use "He laughs best who laughs last" to emphasize the importance of perseverance and not giving up, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. It suggests that those who ultimately succeed or triumph in a situation will find the most satisfaction and joy in it. For example, if someone is being mocked or underestimated, you might say, 'Don't worry about their mocking, remember that he laughs best who laughs last. Your success will be the ultimate revenge.'
- 1Personal Goals
Despite facing numerous obstacles, she remained determined and focused on her goals, knowing that he laughs best who laughs last.
Despite facing numerous obstacles, she remained determined and focused on her goals, knowing that he laughs best who laughs last.
- 2Competition
In a competitive environment, it's important to stay resilient and keep working hard, as he laughs best who laughs last.
In a competitive environment, it's important to stay resilient and keep working hard, as he laughs best who laughs last.
- 3Overcoming Adversity
When faced with adversity, it's crucial to maintain a positive attitude and keep pushing forward, remembering that he laughs best who laughs last.
When faced with adversity, it's crucial to maintain a positive attitude and keep pushing forward, remembering that he laughs best who laughs last.
Similar phrases to “He laughs best who laughs last.”:
Example
He believed in the saying 'slow and steady wins the race' and approached his work with patience and persistence.
He believed in the saying 'slow and steady wins the race' and approached his work with patience and persistence.
There is something positive or beneficial in every difficult situation
Example
Even though she lost her job, she believed that every cloud has a silver lining and used the opportunity to pursue her passion.
Even though she lost her job, she believed that every cloud has a silver lining and used the opportunity to pursue her passion.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “He laughs best who laughs last.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "He laughs best who laughs last" is unknown.
Is “He laughs best who laughs last.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "He laughs best who laughs last" is a well-known proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. It is commonly used to encourage perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges.
What tone does “He laughs best who laughs last.” have?
"He laughs best who laughs last" conveys a tone of determination and optimism. It encourages individuals to stay strong and keep working towards their goals, knowing that their ultimate success will bring them the greatest satisfaction.
Can “He laughs best who laughs last.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The proverb "He laughs best who laughs last" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile phrase that conveys the idea of perseverance and triumph. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, speeches, or written essays.
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, 'Despite the challenges, she remained determined, knowing that he laughs best who laughs last.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, he laughs best who laughs last!' to imply the importance of perseverance.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- keep your chin up
- stay the course
- persistence pays off
- never give up
- perseverance leads to victory
Antonyms
- throw in the towel
- give up easily
- quit while you're ahead
- accept defeat
- lose hope