“Rest on one’s laurels” is an idiom that means to be satisfied with one’s past achievements and to rely on them rather than striving for further success. It implies a complacent attitude or a reluctance to pursue new goals or challenges, often leading to a stagnation in personal or professional development.
Sample Sentences:
- After winning the championship, he decided to rest on his laurels instead of pushing himself to improve further.
- She achieved great success early in her career but chose to rest on her laurels, neglecting opportunities for growth.
- The company’s founder didn’t want the team to become complacent and rest on their laurels after a successful product launch.
- Instead of continuing to innovate, the author seemed content to rest on his laurels and rehash previous ideas in the new book.
- The athlete’s decision to rest on his laurels ultimately led to a decline in performance.
- The artist, having received critical acclaim for a particular style, opted to rest on her laurels and stopped experimenting with new techniques.
- A business that chooses to rest on its laurels may struggle to adapt to changing market demands.
- The student, having aced the initial exams, should not rest on her laurels but strive for excellence in subsequent courses.
- The politician’s decision to rest on his laurels cost him support in the next election.
- Many individuals regretted their choice to rest on their laurels once they realized the missed opportunities for personal growth.
Synonyms and Antonyms:
- Complacent: Puas diri / Tidak puas diri
- Self-satisfied: Puas diri / Tidak puas diri
- Content: Puas / Tidak puas
- Ambitious (Antonym): Ambisius / Tidak ambisius
- Driven (Antonym): Bertekad / Tidak bertekad
- Aspiring (Antonym): Bercita-cita / Tidak bercita-cita
- Forward-looking (Antonym): Masa depan / Masa lalu
The Awakening Aspiration
In the bustling city of Eldoria, where ambition and dreams intertwined, there existed a district called Ambition Avenue. It was a place where the ambitious thrived, and the air crackled with the energy of those determined to forge their destinies. However, nestled on the outskirts of this vibrant district was a neighborhood known as Comfort Corner, where a sense of complacency and self-satisfaction pervaded.
Among the residents of Comfort Corner was Clara, a young artist whose early success had made her content with her modest achievements. Clara had become complacent, basking in the glow of her past accolades and not daring to venture beyond her comfort zone. Her days were spent in the tranquility of routine, and the spark of ambition that once fueled her creativity had dulled.
One fateful day, a charismatic mentor named Theo moved into Comfort Corner. Theo was the epitome of ambition, his eyes always forward-looking toward new horizons. Sensing Clara’s untapped potential, he encouraged her to rekindle her dormant dreams and aspire for greater heights. At first resistant, Clara found herself drawn to Theo’s infectious enthusiasm and driven spirit.
Under Theo’s guidance, Clara embarked on a transformative journey. Together, they explored the boundless possibilities of art, challenging the constraints of Clara’s self-satisfied mindset. The once aspiring artist now became a force of creative energy, fueled by newfound ambitions and a desire to break free from the chains of her own complacency.
As Clara’s art evolved, the residents of Comfort Corner were inspired by her metamorphosis. Theo’s presence had ignited a collective spark, and the neighborhood, once synonymous with self-satisfaction, transformed into a hub of aspiring individuals, each eager to pursue their passions with renewed vigor.
Clara’s awakening didn’t go unnoticed, and soon, she found herself standing on a stage, adorned with laurels bestowed upon her by the city’s artistic community. The once complacent artist had become a symbol of the transformative power of ambition and the rewards that awaited those willing to shatter the shackles of self-satisfaction.
As the curtains closed on Comfort Corner’s newfound vitality, Clara realized that true fulfillment lay not in resting on past laurels but in the perpetual pursuit of one’s dreams. The awakening aspiration had not only changed Clara’s life but had also breathed new life into the entire neighborhood, proving that even the most complacent corners could be transformed into realms of boundless potential.
Derived Words and Related Words:
- Laurel: Daun laurus (tanaman simbol kemenangan dalam sejarah)
- Laureate
- Laurelled
- Laurel-crowned
- Laurelled
- Laurel-like
- Laurel-tree
- Laurel-wreath
- Laurelwood
- Laurelberry
- Laureling
The Enchanted Laurel Forest
In the heart of a mystical land, there stood an ancient and enchanted forest, known as the Laurelwood. Legends spoke of a magical Laurel-tree at the forest’s center, its branches adorned with Laurel-wreaths that bestowed extraordinary powers upon those deemed worthy. The chosen few, known as the Laurelled, wore crowns made of the laurel leaves, marking them as the protectors of the forest and its secrets.
One day, a young and aspiring poet named Elara ventured into the depths of the Laurelwood in search of inspiration. Guided by whispers of the wind and the rustle of the leaves, she discovered the majestic Laurel-tree at the heart of the forest. As she approached, a shower of golden light enveloped her, and she emerged Laurel-crowned and bestowed with the gift of eloquence.
Elara’s newfound abilities caught the attention of the ancient Laureling, a wise guardian spirit of the forest. The Laureling revealed that the Laurel-tree held the essence of the land’s creativity, and its Laurelberry fruits could unlock unimaginable talents. However, the forest faced a threat: a dark sorcerer sought to exploit the magic for his own nefarious purposes.
Determined to protect the sacred Laurel-tree, Elara embarked on a perilous quest. Along the way, she encountered other Laurelled beings, each possessing unique talents gifted by the enchanted laurel leaves. Together, they formed a fellowship to confront the sorcerer and preserve the forest’s magic.
The journey was fraught with challenges, from treacherous terrains to mystical creatures sent by the sorcerer to thwart their progress. Yet, guided by the strength of their Laurel-crowned unity, the fellowship pressed on, their laurel leaves glowing with resilience.
In the climactic showdown, the sorcerer unleashed dark forces against the fellowship. As the battle raged, the Laurel-wreaths on their heads radiated an intense brilliance, countering the malevolent energy. Elara, wielding the power of the Laurel-tree, confronted the sorcerer and, with a burst of creative energy, sealed him away.
With the threat neutralized, the forest regained its tranquility. The Laurelwood flourished, and the fellowship, now forever known as the Laureates, became the guardians of the enchanted Laurel-tree. The leaves of the laurel glowed evermore, casting a perpetual aura of inspiration upon the land.
And so, the tale of Elara and the Laureates became a legendary story, whispered in the winds of the Laurelwood, a testament to the enduring magic of the laurel and the creative spirit it bestowed upon those who dared to venture into its depths.
Phrasal Verbs and Common Expressions:
- Rest on past achievements: Bersandar pada prestasi masa lalu
- Take it easy: Santai / Tidak bersusah payah
- Resting on one’s laurels: Refers to someone who becomes complacent or satisfied with past achievements and doesn’t strive for further success.
- To win laurels: Means to achieve recognition or honor for one’s accomplishments.
- Basking in the laurels: Describes someone who is enjoying the rewards and recognition they have received.
- Crown of laurels: Symbolizes victory or achievement, often depicted as a wreath made from laurel leaves.
- To earn one’s laurels: Means to work hard and achieve success or recognition.
- Laurel of victory: Represents the honor or reward given to someone for winning or succeeding.
- Wreath of laurel: Refers to a circular decoration made from laurel leaves, often given as a symbol of honor or achievement.
- To rest on the laurels of others: Describes someone who takes credit or benefits from the accomplishments of others without contributing themselves.
- To be crowned with laurel: Signifies being recognized or honored for one’s achievements.
- The laurels of fame: Refers to the recognition and success that comes with being famous or well-known.
A Dance with Laurels
In the picturesque town of Arcadia, renowned for its artists and performers, there lived a once-aspiring dancer named Isabella. In her early years, Isabella had tirelessly pursued her passion, winning accolades and a crown of laurels for her breathtaking performances. However, as time passed, she began to rest on past achievements and gradually started to take it easy in her artistic endeavors.
Isabella’s fame had soared, and she found herself basking in the laurels of her previous triumphs. The once-determined dancer was now content to enjoy the rewards and recognition she had garnered, forgetting the very essence of her artistry that had propelled her to victory.
One day, a vibrant dance competition, the grand Laurel of Victory Championship, was announced in Arcadia. It promised not only the coveted wreath of laurel but also the opportunity to earn one’s laurels anew. Stirred by a desire to reclaim her former glory, Isabella decided to re-enter the competitive dance scene.
As the competition unfolded, Isabella faced a new generation of talented dancers who were hungry for success. Her initial performance, although graceful, lacked the fire and innovation of her earlier years. The judges, discerning connoisseurs of art, noticed her reluctance to embrace change and accused her of resting on her laurels.
Determined to prove herself once more, Isabella sought the guidance of a seasoned choreographer, Victoria. With Victoria’s mentorship, Isabella learned that true artistry required constant evolution and a refusal to rest on the laurels of others. Victoria emphasized the importance of embracing new styles and techniques to stay relevant in the ever-changing world of dance.
As the day of the grand finale approached, Isabella underwent a remarkable transformation. She choreographed a mesmerizing routine that seamlessly blended classical grace with contemporary flair. The audience erupted in applause, and Isabella was not only crowned with laurel but also hailed as a symbol of artistic reinvention.
In the end, Isabella realized that the laurels of fame were not meant to be a static ornament but a dynamic representation of ongoing dedication and innovation. The grand Laurel of Victory Championship became a turning point in Isabella’s career, reminding her that the pursuit of excellence required a constant willingness to evolve and never to succumb to the temptation to rest on past achievements.
Idioms:
- Don’t rest on your laurels: Jangan puas diri dengan pencapaian masa lalu, teruslah berusaha untuk lebih baik.
- Resting on one’s oars: Sama dengan “rest on one’s laurels”, menunjukkan ketidakaktifan setelah mencapai sesuatu.
Echoes of the Abyss
In the mysterious realm of Eldoria, where magic intertwined with the unknown, there existed a guild of sorcerers known as the Whispering Shadows. For centuries, the guild had guarded a portal leading to the Abyss, a realm of unimaginable power and peril. The sorcerers were once hailed as heroes for their courage in defending the portal, but as the years passed, a sense of complacency crept in.
The guild’s Grand Enchanter, Seraphina, had led her fellow sorcerers through countless battles against the shadowy entities that sought to breach the portal. Yet, with each victory, the guild members began to rest on their laurels, believing the Abyss posed no real threat. The once-diligent guardians started resting on their oars, neglecting the rigorous training that had kept the darkness at bay.
One ominous night, an ancient prophecy unfolded, warning of an impending catastrophe if the guardians continued to rest on their laurels. The Abyss, long held at bay, stirred with newfound malevolence. Dark whispers permeated the guild, urging the sorcerers to awaken from their slumber and reclaim their former vigilance.
As the shadowy forces amassed, Seraphina, despite her initial reluctance, heeded the warning. She embarked on a perilous journey to rediscover the guild’s lost strength, seeking ancient artifacts and wise mentors who could help break the spell of resting on one’s oars. The very fabric of Eldoria hung in the balance, and Seraphina knew she could no longer afford to rely solely on past glories.
The guild, once divided by complacency, rallied behind Seraphina’s call to action. Together, they undertook arduous trials, honing their skills and rediscovering the depth of their magical prowess. The journey was fraught with challenges, as the darkness from the Abyss seeped into their very souls, testing their resolve.
In a climactic showdown at the portal, Seraphina and her rejuvenated guild confronted the malevolent forces that sought to breach Eldoria’s defenses. The battle raged, and as the sorcerers unleashed their newfound powers, the echoes of the Abyss were pushed back into the shadows. The prophecy’s dire warning had been averted, and Eldoria was spared from the impending catastrophe.
Seraphina, with a newfound wisdom, reminded her fellow sorcerers that the duty to protect their realm was unending. The guild vowed never again to rest on their laurels or succumb to the dangerous allure of resting on one’s oars. The echoes of the Abyss served as a haunting reminder that even in times of peace, true guardians must remain vigilant against the encroaching shadows.