To rest on your laurels?

Question

Does this mean your leaning against a tree?

Answer 1

"The Greeks gave a wreath of laurels to the victor in the Pythian Games, but the victor in the Olympic Games had a wreath of wild olives, in the Nemean Games a wreath of green parsley, and in the Isthmian Games a wreath of dry parsley or green pine leaves.

The ancients held that laurel communicated the spirit of prophecy and poetry, hence the custom of crowning the Pythoness (the Pythia) and poets, and of putting laurel leaves under one's pillow to acquire inspiration. Another superstition was that the bay laurel could prevent a strike of lightning, but Sir Thomas Browne, in his Vulgar Errors (1646), recounts how Vicomereatus proved from personal knowledge that this is untrue.

The laurel in modern times is a symbol of victor and peace and of excellence in literature and the arts. In Christian art St Gudule, patron saint of Brussels, carries a laurel crown."

The same work of reference explains 'to rest on one's laurels' thus:

"To be satisfied with the degree of success one has already achieved and to refrain from further effort."

For the sake of completeness, 'to look to one's laurels' means "to be on one's guard against rivals; to endeavour to maintain one's lead in a field in which one has already excelled."


Keep reaching for the stars.....

Answer 2

Yes, this question was asked twice, Do I rest on my laurels?it would be nice. But I rest upon a lounge or a bed But you Lady Bayard,rest on your laurels instead. Unique, upper-crust there is no doubt But I being a commoner, take the average route.

Answer 3

No. In the ancient Olympics, the winner received a crown of laurel branches. Ever after that he was famous. Someone who does great once or twice, and then coasts despite great ability, is resting on their laurels.

Answer 4

I looked it up on dictionary.com and it said
. rest on one's laurels, to be content with one's past or present honors, achievements, etc.: He retired at the peak of his career and is resting on his laurels

Answer 5

No it means to rest on your past acomplishments and good deeds.

After you have done really well and people respect your opinion you can rest on your laurel's

Answer 6

"Meaning:
If someone rests on their laurels, they rely on their past achievements, rather than trying to achieve things now. "


Check out site in sources

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Answer 7

It means you're sitting on your behind... or else, you can also interpret it to mean you're resting on what you've already accomplished, completely satisfied instead of aiming higher...

Answer 8

No it mean gloatingon your past accomplisments, while your motivation to strive to excel is waning.

Answer 9

it means sitting on your bum. ie giving up once you've accomplished something.

Answer 10

never heard of it