🌿 Rest on One’s Laurels: A Leisurely Look at Contentment & Complacency 🛋️
Definition:
To be satisfied with one’s achievements, by implication enough so as not to expend further effort. This term dates back to the mid-nineteenth century and alludes to the wreaths of laurel leaves used to crown the winner of athletic contests in ancient Greek and Roman times. The laurel remains a symbol of victory to this day.
Related and Similar Terms, Proverbs, and Expressions:
Kindred Phrases:
- Take it easy - To relax and not exert undue effort.
- Rest on one’s oars - Similar in meaning, implying a break from strenuous effort.
- Coast along - To proceed without much effort or concern.
Antonyms:
- Chase new horizons - To continually strive for new goals and achievements.
- Keep pushing forward - To persist in effort and ambition.
- Never rest on your laurels (used commonly as advice)
Humorous Quotes:
- “I’d love to rest on my laurels, but I must have misplaced them during my last Netflix binge.” - Anonymous
- “Why rest on laurels when you can just lay in a hammock and nap?” - Some Wise Guy
Literary References and Suggested Reading:
- “Literary Remains” by Emanuel Deutsch: An excellent historical source mentioning the term.
- “The Pursuit of Happyness” by Chris Gardner: For inspiration on never stopping despite success and struggles.
- “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues” by Tom Robbins: A quirky, fun read that shatters complacency.
Songs to Set the Tone:
- 🎶 “We Are the Champions” by Queen - Because sometimes, deserving victory makes a good laurel wreath.
- 🎶 “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John - For when you refuse to rest on those laurels.
- 🎶 “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor - For ultimate motivation to not let success slow you down.
Recommended Movies:
- 🎬 Rocky series - A character who fights hard but never fully rests.
- 🎬 Joy - A story of continuous innovation despite initial success.
- 🎬 The Wolf of Wall Street - For a cautionary tale about the dangers of resting on one’s laurels in the Wall Street jungle.
Quizzes: Test Your Laurels Knowledge!
### Which of these phrases means to become complacent after achieving success?
- [x] Rest on one’s laurels
- [ ] Sleep under olive trees
- [ ] Dance with pine cones
- [ ] Sing with the nightingales
> **Explanation:** To "rest on one’s laurels" refers to becoming complacent after achieving success. The other options? Creative but nonsensical.
### If someone is 'resting on their laurels,' what symbol of victory does the phrase reference?
- [ ] Olives
- [ ] Roses
- [ ] Sunflowers
- [x] Laurels
> **Explanation:** The phrase references laurel wreaths given to victors in ancient Greece and Rome.
### True or False: 'Rest on one’s laurels' indicates the constant pursuit of new goals.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** It actually means becoming complacent post-achievement, not pursuing new goals.
### Which phrase is an antonym of 'rest on one’s laurels'?
- [x] Keep pushing forward
- [ ] Take a break
- [ ] Chill out
- [ ] Rest easy
> **Explanation:** "Keep pushing forward" signifies effort towards new achievements, the opposite of complacency.
### Which famous anthem of resilience fits with not resting on one’s laurels?
- [ ] Let it Be
- [x] Eye of the Tiger
- [ ] Somewhere Over the Rainbow
- [ ] Counting Stars
> **Explanation:** "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor is a perfect motivation for ongoing effort and not resting on past accomplishments.
Remember: Laurels are great to look at, sit beside, and even show off—but never stop there.
Happy Reading! A. V. Merrythought
