Have the last laugh

verb

To eventually get an advantage from a situation or succeed, despite criticism or opposition.

He was ridiculed for investing in the small start-up, but he had the last laugh when it became a billion-dollar company.
Visual representation of "have the last laugh" - To eventually get an advantage from a situation or succeed, despite criticism or opposition.

Often appears as...

  • he'll have the last laugh
  • having the last laugh

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To eventually get an advantage from a situation or succeed, despite criticism or opposition.

He was ridiculed for investing in the small start-up, but he had the last laugh when it became a billion-dollar company.
Visual representation of "have the last laugh" - To eventually get an advantage from a situation or succeed, despite criticism or opposition.

Often appears as...

  • he'll have the last laugh
  • having the last laugh

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "have the last laugh"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Situational Usage

Use 'have the last laugh' when someone succeeds after initially being doubted or facing setbacks.

Illustration for Situational Usage
After being cut from the team, Emma trained hard and had the last laugh when she won the championship.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

'Have the last laugh' is a figure of speech and doesn't involve actual laughing.

Illustration for Not Literal
Despite everyone's doubts, Jake had the last laugh when his invention worked perfectly.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Positive Outcome

The phrase often implies a positive outcome that vindicates someone after a period of doubt.

Illustration for Positive Outcome
They laughed at her eco-friendly project, but she had the last laugh when it earned her an award.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Situational Usage

Use 'have the last laugh' when someone succeeds after initially being doubted or facing setbacks.

Illustration for Situational Usage
After being cut from the team, Emma trained hard and had the last laugh when she won the championship.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

'Have the last laugh' is a figure of speech and doesn't involve actual laughing.

Illustration for Not Literal
Despite everyone's doubts, Jake had the last laugh when his invention worked perfectly.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Positive Outcome

The phrase often implies a positive outcome that vindicates someone after a period of doubt.

Illustration for Positive Outcome
They laughed at her eco-friendly project, but she had the last laugh when it earned her an award.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Situational Usage

Use 'have the last laugh' when someone succeeds after initially being doubted or facing setbacks.

Illustration for Situational Usage
After being cut from the team, Emma trained hard and had the last laugh when she won the championship.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

'Have the last laugh' is a figure of speech and doesn't involve actual laughing.

Illustration for Not Literal
Despite everyone's doubts, Jake had the last laugh when his invention worked perfectly.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Positive Outcome

The phrase often implies a positive outcome that vindicates someone after a period of doubt.

Illustration for Positive Outcome
They laughed at her eco-friendly project, but she had the last laugh when it earned her an award.
Visual representation of the word "Have the last laugh"

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