The lap of luxury
Meaning
To live a life of extreme comfort, wealth, and indulgence.
Origin
The phrase "the lap of luxury" conjures an image of being gently cradled and indulged, and its roots lie in the ancient understanding of "lap" as a place of comfort and safety—think of a child nestled in a parent's lap. This nurturing sense of "lap" merged with the concept of "luxury," derived from the Latin "luxus" meaning excess or extravagance. While "luxury" has long denoted lavish living, it was in the 19th century that these two ideas perfectly coalesced. The image became a powerful shorthand for a life of ultimate ease and indulgence, a world where every desire is met and hardship is a distant, unknown concept, wrapping one in material comfort as if in a warm, protective embrace.
Examples
- After winning the lottery, she found herself living in the lap of luxury, surrounded by designer clothes and gourmet meals.
- They spent their honeymoon in the lap of luxury at a five-star resort, enjoying personalized service and breathtaking ocean views.