laurels

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "laurels" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone receives praise for an achievement or accomplishment. For example, "John sat back and enjoyed the laurels of his recent success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If, à la Eurovision, we are barred from handing the laurels to our choice – the multi award-winning Don Paterson – we'd have to give douze points to Kosovo's Shpëtim Selmani for a spectacular exercise in concise pessimism.

The Guardian

I can't rest on my laurels, I want to keep evolving".

The Guardian - Sport

No let up, no resting on our laurels, no slowing down to savour the polls.

The Guardian

Apple and Google's fierce rivalry with iOS and Android means neither can afford to rest on their laurels, but stronger competition from a third player in Microsoft / Windows Phone (with BlackBerry, Firefox OS and Tizen all hoping for a say as well) is good news for smartphone owners.

The Guardian - Tech

A Labour politician, who spent a record 22 years on the Lords frontbench, held junior office under Clement Attlee in the 1940s and later sat in Harold Wilson's cabinets, Longford could, when he resigned in 1968, have rested on his laurels.

The Guardian

With a "deep connection" to her two ballet coaches in St Petersburg and New York, and with a call list of masseuses and sports therapists around the world, Vishneva, at 38, is still very far from resting on her laurels.

The Guardian

Because they cannot afford to rest on their laurels, high-tech heavyweights often foster aggressive corporate cultures that draw the attention of antitrust regulators.

The Economist

The party controls all Ohio's state-wide elected offices, from the governor downwards, as well as majorities in both houses in the state's legislature and on the state Supreme Court.This gives Mr Bush a formidable array of brand-name surrogates to translate his message into the Ohio vernacular, but he is also determined not to rest on his laurels.

The Economist

He has supported some Bush administration measures but they have mostly been unpopular or controversial ones, including the No Child Left Behind Act and the Patriot Act (which many feel has worryingly curtailed civil liberties) as well as the war.Nor can Mr Kerry rest on his laurels.

The Economist

But as competition for globe-trotting students grows worldwide, British universities can no longer rest on their laurels at home.

The Economist

Full-service carriers have effectively been priced out of the market.This bodes well for Ryanair, but Mr O'Leary cannot rest on his laurels.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "laurels" to refer to achievements or recognition earned, particularly in formal contexts. For example, use it when discussing someone resting on their "laurels" after a significant success.

Common error

Avoid using "resting on one's laurels" to suggest simple relaxation after hard work. The phrase implies complacency and a failure to continue striving for improvement, rather than a well-deserved break.

Linguistic Context

The noun "laurels" primarily functions as a collective noun referring to honors or distinctions gained through achievement. According to Ludwig, the term is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in discussing achievements and the potential pitfalls of complacency after success.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "laurels" is a noun that refers to honors or recognition gained through achievement, particularly in formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's important to remember that "resting on one's "laurels"" implies complacency, not just relaxation. "Laurels" appears frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, signifying its relevance in discussing success and its implications. Alternatives include "accolades", "honors", and "awards", which each bring a slightly different nuance to the expression of achievement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accolades

Focuses specifically on awards or honors received.

honors

Emphasizes the respect and esteem associated with an achievement.

awards

Highlights the tangible recognition given for accomplishments.

recognition

Broadly refers to acknowledgement of merit or achievement.

tributes

Highlights expressions of gratitude and respect.

kudos

An informal expression of praise and admiration.

praises

Emphasizes verbal approval and commendation.

distinctions

Focuses on unique qualities or accomplishments that set someone apart.

achievements

Highlights notable accomplishments or successes.

victories

Focuses on overcoming challenges and achieving success in a competitive context.

FAQs

How can I use "laurels" in a sentence?

The word "laurels" typically refers to honors or recognition gained through achievement. For example, "After winning the championship, the team basked in their "laurels"" or "She couldn't afford to rest on her "laurels" and had to keep working hard".

What does it mean to "rest on one's laurels"?

To "rest on one's laurels" means to be satisfied with past achievements and not continue to make an effort. It implies a lack of ambition or drive to continue improving or achieving more. You could use alternatives like "become complacent", "stop striving" or "lose motivation" instead.

What is a synonym for "laurels" in the context of awards?

In the context of awards and recognition, synonyms for "laurels" include "accolades", "honors", "awards", and "recognition".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "win laurels"?

The phrase "win "laurels"" is appropriate when someone achieves significant success or recognition in a particular field or endeavor. It suggests that they have earned honors or praise for their accomplishments.