rested on one's laurels
Ceased further effort
To rest on one's laurels is to rely on past achievements rather than continuing to strive.
The phrase suggests complacency—someone who once earned glory but now coasts on reputation: After winning the championship, he rested on his laurels and stopped training.
The laurels are from ancient wreaths awarded to victors.
- successFavorable outcome attained
- apathyAbsence of feeling
- ambitionDesire for achievement
- accoladeExpression of high esteem
- stagnationAbsence of flow or progress
mediocrity · inertia · perseverance · passivity · contentment · playing it safe · improvement · neglect · symbolism · coronation · former champion · one hit wonder · triumph · idleness · trophy · mythology · medal · laziness
rested on one's laurelspushed forward
Moved something ahead
raised the bar · doubled down · evolved · innovated · hustled
rested on one's laurelsput in the work
Apply consistent effort
burned the midnight oil · persevered · rolled up one's sleeves · kept one's head down · hustled