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3. rest on laurels

rest on laurels

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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 your laurels

to be so satisfied with your achievements that you make no effort to improve Even though you did well on all your exams, you can't simply rest on your laurels.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of laurels (a ring of leaves worn on the head in ancient times as a symbol of victory)

See also: laurel, on, rest

rest on your laurels

to be so satisfied with your own achievements that you make no effort to improve Just because you passed all your exams, that's no reason to rest on your laurels.

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