“You just want to rest on your laurels.” Is that your hind-quarter, your back, your elbows, or what? Today I briefly take chalk in hand to explain this odd phrase and how its meaning has changed. (Then I’ll put my bun, ruler, and other old-fashioned teacher stuff away for awhile again.) The phrase “rest on your laurels” means, of course to be totally satisfied with what you’ve already achieved, to the point that you don’t see the need or have the desire to improve. It’s really rather negative, used as an insult. But it didn’t begin that way. It goes back to Ancient Greece, where a laurel wreath was given one as a sign of victory in games. Then the phrase meant that the person was triumphant, and those who won one were expected to go on to bigger and greater achievements, not sit around feeling that they’ve done enough in their lives–today’s meaning. So, enjoy life’s little victories. And, remember, laurels are to be preserved and appreciated; if you rest on them they get squished, wither, and die.
