PhrasesHub

He who laughs last laughs longest

    Definitions

      • Revenge or satisfaction
        To indicate that the person who gets the final laugh or victory in a situation will feel the most satisfaction or triumph over their opponents

    Examples of He who laughs last laughs longest

    • After years of trying to win the lottery, Jane finally hit the jackpot. Her coworker, who had made fun of her for all those years, couldn't help but feel a little envious. Jane's response? "He who laughs last laughs longest."

      This idiom means that the person who experiences the best outcome in the end will have the last laugh. In Jane's case, she was able to laugh at her coworker's initial ridicule and enjoy her newfound wealth.

    • When Sarah's boyfriend broke up with her, she was devastated. But as time passed, she realized that she was better off without him. She smiled to herself and thought, "He who laughs last laughs longest."

      Sarah's ex-boyfriend may have thought that he had the upper hand in their breakup, but Sarah proved him wrong. By moving on and finding happiness, Sarah was able to laugh at her ex's misfortune and enjoy the last laugh.

    • After months of struggling to find a job, Mark finally landed his dream position. His friends, who had been teasing him about his job search, were surprised to hear the news. Mark chuckled and said, "He who laughs last laughs longest."

      Mark's friends may have thought that he would never find a job, but Mark proved them wrong. By staying persistent and never giving up, Mark was able to enjoy the last laugh and prove his friends wrong.

    • When Rachel's team lost the championship game, she was disappointed but didn't let it get her down. She knew that her team would come back stronger next year. She smiled to herself and thought, "He who laughs last laughs longest."

      Rachel's opponents may have thought that they had the upper hand in the championship game, but Rachel knew better. By staying positive and focused on the future, Rachel was able to enjoy the last laugh and come back stronger the following year.

    • After years of working hard and saving money, John was finally able to retire. His coworkers, who had made fun of him for his frugality, couldn't help but feel a little envious. John smiled to himself and said, "He who laughs last laughs longest."

      John's coworkers may have thought that he was missing out on life by working so hard, but John proved them wrong. By staying focused on his goals and enjoying the fruits of his labor, John was able to enjoy the last laugh and retire comfortably.


    Conclusion

    This idiom is often used in a playful or joking manner to suggest that the person who gets the last laugh will ultimately be the most successful or satisfied. It can also be used in a more serious context to indicate that someone who has been wronged or defeated will eventually have their revenge or come out on top.

    Origin of "He who laughs last laughs longest"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to ancient Roman times, where the phrase "he who laughs last laughs best" was often used as a proverb. It was believed that the person who had the final laugh or victory in a situation would ultimately be the most successful and happy.

    Over time, the phrase evolved into "he who laughs last laughs longest," likely due to the association of longevity with success and satisfaction. This idiom has been used in various forms and variations throughout literature and popular culture, with the underlying meaning remaining the same.

    Overall, the idiom serves as a reminder to not underestimate the power of perseverance and determination. It suggests that even if someone may be facing challenges or setbacks in the present moment, they may ultimately have the last laugh and come out on top in the end.