have the last laugh
Win in the end
To have the last laugh is to ultimately triumph after others doubted you or enjoyed your misfortune.
Someone mocked for a risky investment has the last laugh when it pays off handsomely.
The phrase implies vindication—early setbacks or ridicule are reversed by final success: Critics panned her first novel, but she had the last laugh when it became a bestseller.
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
- sweet revengeGratifying retaliation
- gloatRelish superiority smugly
- I told you soGloating after being right
- victoryDefeating an opponent
triumph · comeback · turn the tables · prevail · come out on top · retort · smirk · irony · vindication · winning · redemption · success · defeat · revenge · living well · satisfaction · underdog · against all odds
have the last laugheat crow
Acknowledge embarrassing error
eat humble pie · have egg on one's face · come up short · fall flat on one's face · crash and burn
have the last laughsnatch defeat from the jaws of victory
Fail when success seemed assured
have the last laughsnatch defeat from the jaws of victory
Fail when success seemed assured
fall at the final hurdle · flame out · choke · peter out · fizzle out
have, having, haves, last, lasted, lasting, lastly, laugh, laughs