cannot rest on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot rest on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something cannot be based on or depend solely on a particular factor or condition. Example: "Our success cannot rest on luck alone; we need a solid strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

This constant tension has insured that I cannot rest on my laurels for one second.

The New York Times

Women simply cannot rest on the results of one test, particularly if they have a family history of the disease.

Huffington Post

The European Parliament will probably approve this package and I believe it to be a good one, but we cannot rest on our laurels because without genuine Community regulation, without genuine certification of quality which puts the minds of citizens throughout the European Union at rest, we will not make great progress in constructing the market for European products.

EU Parlament

Javier Mascherano said he and his Barcelona team-mates cannot rest on their laurels and assume they have one foot in the Champions League final.

The Guardian - Sport

We cannot rest on our laurels, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But we cannot rest on our laurels.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

For the defense to be successful, however, it cannot rest solely on moral considerations: the "desirability and urgency" of avoiding injury has to outweigh the harm caused by the illegal act, and there can't have been a reasonable legal alternative to the illegal act.

The New Yorker

The choice of optimal sites is a complex process and cannot rest solely on the best technical site for storage; it requires a detailed assessment of source issues, transport links, and integration with economic and environmental factors.

Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies 7 Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies 5– September 2004, Vancouver, Canada

Earlier writers had distinguished between goodness as an end, which they also called intrinsic or ultimate goodness, and goodness as a means, saying the former cannot rest just on a state's causally producing goods outside itself.

SEP

His letter says: "We cannot rest or get on with our lives while this trauma hangs over us and we need closure.

The Guardian

We cannot rest or get on with our lives while this trauma hangs over us and we do not have any idea whether the CPS has an intention of taking action".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot rest on" to emphasize the need for continuous effort and improvement, especially when discussing achievements or progress that should not lead to complacency. For instance, in business contexts, it can be used to stress the importance of innovation and adaptation despite current success.

Common error

While versatile, "cannot rest on" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can't stop now" or "must keep going" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot rest on" functions as a negative imperative, urging against complacency or dependence on a particular factor. It's used to emphasize the need for continuous effort and progress, as supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot rest on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves as a strong call to action, urging against complacency and emphasizing the need for continued effort. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news and professional settings, the phrase carries a formal tone. When writing, remember to consider the context and audience, opting for simpler alternatives in informal settings to ensure clear communication. Remember that current achievements should not lead to stagnation; thus, we "cannot rest on" them.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot rely upon

Emphasizes a lack of dependence, suggesting that something is not trustworthy or sufficient.

must not depend on

Highlights the importance of avoiding reliance on a specific factor for success.

should not be complacent about

Focuses on avoiding satisfaction with current achievements and continuing to strive for improvement.

cannot take for granted

Stresses the need to appreciate and continue working on something that might otherwise be neglected.

should not be satisfied with

Suggests that current progress is insufficient and further effort is required.

cannot be based solely on

Indicates that a single factor is not enough to support a decision or conclusion.

cannot afford to relax about

Implies a potential for negative consequences if effort is reduced.

must keep striving

Highlights the necessity of continued effort and perseverance.

cannot be sustained by

Focuses on the inability of something to continue supporting or maintaining a current state.

should not become complacent

Highlights the importance of avoiding satisfaction with current achievements and continuing to strive for improvement.

FAQs

What does "cannot rest on" mean?

The phrase "cannot rest on" means that one should not become complacent or rely solely on past achievements, current conditions, or existing resources. It suggests the need for continued effort and improvement.

How can I use "cannot rest on" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot rest on" to emphasize the need for continued effort. For example: "The team had a successful year, but we "cannot rest on" our laurels and must continue to innovate."

What are some alternatives to "cannot rest on"?

Some alternatives to "cannot rest on" include "cannot rely upon", "should not be complacent about", and "must not depend on". The best choice depends on the specific context.

In what contexts is "cannot rest on" most appropriate?

"Cannot rest on" is suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts where a formal tone is acceptable. It's commonly used when discussing strategy, progress, or the need for ongoing efforts in business, politics, or personal development.