rest on one's laurels, to

rest on one's laurels

Fig. to stop trying because one is satisfied with one's past achievements. Despite our success, this is no time to rest on our laurels. We rested on our laurels too long. Our competitors took away a lot of our business.See also: laurel, on, rest

rest on one's laurels

Rely on one's past achievements, especially as a way of avoiding the work needed to advance one's status. For example, Now that Julian's in his eighties, he's decided to rest on his laurels and let some of the younger agents do the work . This term alludes to the crown of laurels awarded in ancient times for a spectacular achievement. [Late 1800s] See also: laurel, on, rest

rest on (one's) laurels

To rely on one's past achievements instead of working to maintain or advance one's status or reputation.See also: laurel, on, rest

rest on one's laurels, to

To be satisfied with one’s achievement, by implication enough so as not to expend further effort. The term, dating from the mid-nineteenth century, alludes to the wreaths of laurel leaves used to crown the winner of athletic contests in ancient Greek and Roman times; the laurel today remains a symbol of victory. Emanuel Deutsch wrote, “Let them rest on their laurels for a while” (Literary Remains, 1874). See also: on, rest

rest on one's laurels

To stop participating because of satisfaction with past achievements. The ancient Greeks crowned their victorious athletes and poets with wreaths made from the laurel bush, as did the Romans to honor their triumphant generals. People who have in their own estimation been sufficiently successful and retire from whatever endeavor they were successful in are said to be resting on their laurels.See also: laurel, on, rest