The word “laurels” originally refers to the laurel tree or its leaves, which were historically used to make wreaths as symbols of honor, achievement, and victory. In ancient Greece and Rome, a laurel wreath was given to victors in athletic competitions, military leaders, and poets as a sign of distinction. Over time, “laurels” has come to represent recognition, honor, or fame achieved through success, particularly in the form of past accomplishments. The expression “rest on one’s laurels” (to become complacent with past achievements) derives from this metaphorical use of laurels.
In Indonesian, “laurels” could be translated as “keberhasilan” (success), “penghargaan” (award), or “kehormatan” (honor).
Synonyms:
- Glory
- Honor
- Achievement
- Recognition
- Distinction
- Prestige
- Accomplishment
- Success
- Fame
- Triumph
Example Sentences:
- After receiving the award, he was happy to wear his laurels but quickly got back to work on his next project.
- The writer’s laurels were hard-earned, as he had spent years perfecting his craft.
- She was proud of her laurels in the field of medicine, but she never stopped learning and improving.
- He has a lot of laurels in his career, but he’s always striving for new goals.
- Don’t just sit there and admire your laurels—keep moving forward!
- The coach’s laurels from his championship wins are well known, but he remains humble.
- His laurels from his last novel are impressive, but he’s already started working on another.
- You can’t rest on your laurels forever; eventually, you’ll need to prove yourself again.
- Winning the tournament was a great achievement, but it’s just one of many laurels in his athletic career.
- The scientist earned her laurels through years of groundbreaking research.
Related Words:
- Achievement
- Distinction
- Recognition
- Victory
- Honor
- Triumph
- Fame
- Acclaim
- Prestige
- Success
Related Phrasal Verbs:
- Rest on one’s laurels (to become complacent with past achievements, like “resting on one’s laurels”)
- Live off past glory (to rely on past achievements for recognition or reward, similar to “resting on one’s laurels”)
- Bask in the glory (to enjoy the admiration or recognition from past success, like “wearing laurels”)
- Win one’s spurs (to earn recognition or acclaim, akin to earning laurels)
- Come into one’s own (to gain recognition or success, often after achieving something significant, like receiving laurels)
- Take a bow (to accept recognition or praise for an accomplishment, similar to receiving laurels)
- Earn one’s stripes (to gain recognition or success through effort, akin to earning laurels)
- Make a name for oneself (to become known or famous for an achievement, like winning laurels)
- Rise to fame (to become well-known or recognized, like winning laurels)
- Be crowned with (to be honored or recognized for a significant achievement, like receiving laurels)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- Rest on your laurels (to become complacent with past success and stop striving for new achievements)
- Live in the past (to focus only on past achievements and neglect the present or future)
- Bask in the limelight (to enjoy being the center of attention due to past success, similar to receiving laurels)
- Wearing the crown (to enjoy the honors or recognition from an achievement, like receiving laurels)
- Go out on top (to leave a situation after achieving success or recognition, akin to earning laurels)
- Earn your stripes (to gain recognition or respect through effort and achievement, similar to earning laurels)
- Take the laurels (to win or claim victory and the associated recognition)
- Be in the winner’s circle (to be recognized as successful, similar to receiving laurels)
- Claim the prize (to win or earn recognition, like earning laurels)
- Crown oneself with glory (to honor oneself with recognition for an achievement, akin to receiving laurels)
In summary, “laurels” symbolize honor, recognition, and success, particularly as a reward for past accomplishments. However, the idiomatic expression “resting on one’s laurels” suggests that one should not become complacent with past successes but instead continue striving for new goals and achievements.ce of artistic spirit against the seductive embrace of complacency.
