have the last laugh: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘have the last laugh’ mean?
When someone "has the last laugh," they triumph over others who doubted, underestimated, or mocked them.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "the joke is on someone" means that someone has played a prank or trick on another person, resulting in the second person becoming the object of ridicule or mockery.
The idiom "last word" refers to the final thing that is said or done in a discussion or argument. It implies the idea of having the ultimate say or control over a situation, often in a way that asserts authority or dominance.
The idiom "hit someone when they are down" means to take advantage of or attack someone when they are already in a vulnerable or weakened state.
"Have the world by the tail" means to be in a very fortunate and successful position, with everything going one's way.
The idiom "have one's back up" means to become defensive or angry due to feeling threatened or criticized.
The idiom "have it coming" means to deserve or expect something, usually negative, as a consequence of one's actions or behavior.
The idiom "have had one's chips" means to be defeated or to have failed, often resulting in a negative outcome or consequence. It is commonly used to express the idea of someone being at the end of their chances or opportunities.
The idiom "have a laugh" means to find something amusing or entertaining and to enjoy a good laugh or joke.
The idiom "hand someone his hat" means to defeat or humiliate someone decisively.
The idiomatic expression "go to someone's head" means that success or praise can make a person arrogant or overconfident, leading them to have an inflated sense of importance or superiority.
"The Ultimate Triumph"
According to research on the idiom "have the last laugh," this phrase is commonly used in the United States to convey a sense of triumph or satisfaction in proving doubters or adversaries wrong. The idiom suggests that despite initial challenges, the speaker will ultimately achieve victory or success.
The phrase "have the last laugh" is believed to have originated in the 18th century from the world of comedy. In comedic performances, the person who delivers the final punchline or witty remark is seen as having the ultimate victory, eliciting laughter from the audience. This concept of having the last laugh eventually became an idiom in everyday language.
While the exact source of the idiom is unclear, it is widely used and understood by English speakers. It has gained popularity over time and is commonly used in personal relationships, competitions, sports, and even in business or political settings. The idiom is often used to express confidence in overcoming obstacles and achieving desired outcomes.
This idiom is a form of figurative language, where the literal meaning differs from the intended meaning. "Having the last laugh" does not refer to actual laughter but signifies a sense of satisfaction or triumph. It is important to note that the idiom is not used literally, but as a way to convey vindication or success.
The idiom "have the last laugh" is a common phrase that expresses a sense of triumph or satisfaction. It originated from comedy and has become a widely recognized expression. The idiom conveys the idea that despite setbacks, the speaker will ultimately prove doubters or adversaries wrong and emerge victorious. The exact origin may be unclear, but the meaning and usage of the idiom are well-established.
Like many idioms, the meaning and usage of "have the last laugh" can vary depending on the context. The idiom is figurative rather than literal, and its connotations may differ depending on the speaker and situation. However, the underlying message of triumph and satisfaction remains constant, making "have the last laugh" a poignant and relatable expression in the English language.
"the joke is on someone" is a related idiom that further emphasizes the notion of triumph or satisfaction. This idiom suggests that someone has become the subject of a joke or prank, unaware of the humorous situation until it is revealed. In this context, "having the last laugh" means that the person who was initially the subject of the joke ultimately emerges victorious by understanding or appreciating the humor.
"last word" is another related idiom that ties into the idea of having the final say or the ultimate victory. In a conversation or an argument, "having the last word" means having the final opportunity to speak or make a point. This idiom can symbolize a sense of victory or satisfaction in making the final statement or winning the debate.
"do someone one better" is a related idiom that emphasizes surpassing or outdoing someone in a particular aspect. It implies that the speaker or subject of the idiom has gone beyond what someone else has done, achieving a greater level of success, skill, or accomplishment. In the context of "having the last laugh," it signifies achieving an outcome that far exceeds the expectations or efforts of others.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "have the last laugh" can be used in a sentence:
- Despite all the criticism, she worked hard and eventually had the last laugh when her book became a bestseller.
- He was underestimated by his competitors, but he had the last laugh when he won the championship.
- After years of struggling, the underdog team finally had the last laugh by defeating the reigning champions in the final match.
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