Rest on your laurels
Meaning
To stop making efforts and become complacent after achieving past success, rather than striving for new accomplishments.
Origin
The phrase originates from ancient Greece, where victors in athletic competitions like the Pythian Games were crowned with wreaths woven from laurel leaves, sacred to the god Apollo. This tradition was embraced by the Romans, who used laurel wreaths to honor triumphant generals, emperors, and distinguished poets, signifying their hard-won glory and prestige. To 'rest on your laurels' conjures the image of a champion, adorned with their wreath, choosing to cease all further striving, content to bask in past accomplishments rather than pursuing new challenges.
Examples
- After winning the national championship, the team couldn't afford to rest on their laurels; they had to train even harder for the next season.
- His early success led him to rest on his laurels, and eventually, his business declined as competitors surpassed him.