You have/you’ve got to laugh
phrase
Used to express the sentiment that sometimes you need to see the humor in a bad or absurd situation, as an alternative to feeling upset or disheartened.
She spilt coffee on her shirt right before the interview – you have got to laugh!
Often appears as...
- you have got to laugh at life
- when things go wrong you have got to laugh
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
Used to express the sentiment that sometimes you need to see the humor in a bad or absurd situation, as an alternative to feeling upset or disheartened.
She spilt coffee on her shirt right before the interview – you have got to laugh!
Often appears as...
- you have got to laugh at life
- when things go wrong you have got to laugh
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Coping Strategy
The phrase often implies making the best of a situation by finding humor, instead of being overwhelmed.
Missed the bus and it started to rain, but you've got to laugh, right?
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Humor
It's a casual phrase not suitable for formal situations, often used among friends or close acquaintances.
Lost my keys again – you have got to laugh!
Pro Tip 3/3Light-Hearted Tone
Using this phrase can show that you're not taking an unfortunate event too seriously and staying positive.
The cake I baked sank in the middle, but you've got to laugh.
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