Meaning
- succeed or win despite ridicule or mistrust from others.
- to have the last laugh is to turn the tables on those who have mocked or put you down in some way and come out on top.
- be proven correct, disproving skeptics' initial assumptions.
- to achieve a favorable outcome in a dispute or fight after it seemed you would not be able to do so.
Example Sentences
- She was terminated from the company a year ago, but she had the last laugh when she was employed by the company's main competitor at double the wage.
- No one believed I could attain fame when I was in high school, but I had the last laugh.
- When you become successful, you will get the last laugh.
- My parents continually tell me that I will never become a doctor, but I will have the last laugh.
Origin
The term " last laugh " is originally derived from the proverb "He who laughs last best." It was first used in a 1608 English drama at Oxford College titled "The Christmas Prince."
"Laugh it up, my friend! Whoever laughs the longest laughs the best."
As a result, it highlights imbalances of power and mocks the disadvantaged party.
Someone who gets off to a big lead in a sports game may mock the opposing team's players as they continue to lose. The opposite team "has the last laugh" when they stage a miraculous comeback and win the game in the final seconds.
This group is victorious in the end, so they get the last laugh-the best, most pleasurable laugh of all. The only thing that matters is whether or not a player wins or loses, regardless of how well they play.
