last laugh
Noun The final victory or ultimate success achieved after appearing to be losing or failing, especially when this outcome is satisfying because it proves critics or opponents wrong. This term is inspired by the proverb "He who laughs last, laughs best," meaning the final victor enjoys the greatest satisfaction.
This noun phrase is typically used with the verb "have" or "get" to indicate that a person or group ultimately succeeds or is proven right. * The underdog team had the last laugh when they won the championship. * Despite early criticism, the innovative company got the last laugh as its product dominated the market. * She was mocked for her unconventional methods, but she had the last laugh when her project was the most successful.
- To have/get the last laugh on someone: This specifies the person or group who was proven wrong.
- After years of being underestimated, the researcher had the last laugh on all her skeptical colleagues.
- Used to describe a situation or event that results in a surprising, final victory.
- The election result was the last laugh for the grassroots campaign.
- Last laugh is a fixed noun phrase. Its meaning is derived from the full proverb: "He who laughs last, laughs longest/best."
- Comeback (n): A return to former success or popularity, which can be a way to achieve the last laugh.
- Vindication (n): The act of clearing someone of blame or suspicion, which is often the feeling associated with having the last laugh.
- Final victory
- Ultimate triumph
- Winning hand (idiomatic)
- To have the final say: To be the one who makes the definitive decision or judgment.
- To get the better of someone: To defeat or outwit someone.
- To turn the tables: To reverse a situation so that you gain an advantage over someone who previously had an advantage over you. This action can lead to having the last laugh.
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ultimate success achieved after a near failure (inspired by the saying `he laughs best who laughs last')
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we had the last laugh after the votes were counted
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