rest on one's laurels

rest on one's laurels

Definition: to feel so satisfied with one's achievements that one does not make any more effort to improve

Example: If you still want to be the champion in the next competition, don't rest on your laurels.

Etymology: based on the fact that winners of competitions in ancient times were often awarded a ring of laurel leaves (a laurel wreath) to wear on the head as a sign of victory

Usage note: derogatory idiom

See also: R Idioms, Verbal Idioms