The saying "he who laughs last, laughs loudest" is an idiom that people use to express a certain idea or sentiment. This phrase suggests that the final outcome is more important than who was ahead at any point in between. It's like saying that the person who has the last laugh or the final victory enjoys it the most, no matter what happened before.

I short:

• "He who laughs last, laughs loudest" means the one who gets the final success enjoys it the most, regardless of earlier setbacks.
• The saying highlights the importance of patience and persistence.

What Does "He Who Laughs Last, Laughs Loudest" Mean?

The saying "he who laughs last, laughs loudest" carries a deep meaning. If you have the last laugh, it implies that you've achieved the ultimate success or victory, regardless of what happened earlier. The phrase also suggests that the final result is what counts, not the ups and downs.

Let's break it down:

• "He who laughs last laughs loudest" expresses the idea that the person who wins, in the end, enjoys the greatest satisfaction.
• The saying encourages us to stay patient and persistent because the ultimate victory is more gratifying.
• It's often used when someone triumphs after facing challenges or setbacks.
• For example, you might say, "Quite frankly, life has shown me repeatedly that he who laughs last laughs loudest.
• Common variations include "he who laughs last, laughs best" and "the last laugh is the best."

Where Does "He Who Laughs Last, Laughs Loudest" Come From?

The earliest recorded use of a similar phrase in English dates back to the 1600s. An English playwright, Thomas Heywood, used a version of it in his play "A Woman Killed with Kindness" in 1607: "The end is crown of every work well done, Happy that man that can the last laugh win." In the 19th century, the phrase took on its current form. It appears in F. E. Smedley's novel "Frank Fairleigh" from 1850: "He laughs best who laughs last."

Historical Example

"He who laughs last laughs best, for he knows what he laughs for. "

- Current Literature, Volume 1, 1888

10 Examples of "He Who Laughs Last, Laughs Loudest" in Sentences

To help you understand when to use this idiom, let's look at some examples from various scenarios:

• As we move forward, we mustn't forget that he who laughs last laughs loudest, a testament to the rewards of perseverance.
• She was the last one to finish the race, but she raised the most money for charity. Truly, "he who laughs last, laughs loudest."
• They initially made fun of his idea, but when it turned into a million-dollar business, he proved that "he who laughs last, laughs loudest."
• As new challenges come out of the woodwork, the saying holds true: he who laughs last laughs loudest.
• The pressure might be a bit too much, yet he who laughs last laughs loudest, so stay strong.
• People doubted her abilities, but when she topped the class, she showed them that "he who laughs last, laughs loudest."
• Until then, let's hold onto the thought that he who laughs last laughs loudest.
• She was the last one to join the project, but her contributions were the most significant. Indeed, "he who laughs last, laughs loudest."
• Every time you fall and feel hopeless, remember that he who laughs last laughs loudest.
• Despite facing many setbacks, he achieved his goal in the end, proving that "he who laughs last, laughs loudest."

Examples of "He Who Laughs Last, Laughs Loudest" in Pop Culture

This phrase often appears in pop culture, usually indicating that ultimate victory is the most satisfying.

Let's explore some instances:

• The phrase "he who laughs last, laughs loudest" is used in the song "America's Most" by Redman. The lyrics include: "Y'all know the saying he who laughs last laughs loudest. Bang the loudest, can't a coward do a thing 'bout it."
• The phrase is also used in an article by the Daily Express, a piece discussing Prince Charles's organic food company Duchy Originals.
• The article from Curell titled "Banksy’s trademarks: he who laughs last, laughs loudest" uses the phrase to talk about Banksy's interesting legal battle. The saying came true for Banksy, giving him the "last laugh" because he ended up winning the case after initially losing.
• Reddit users have discussed the phrase in the context of the band Rage Against The Machine's use of imagery and slogans, indicating its presence in the music industry.
• In an article on Vice.com, a rhetoric professor refers to the maxim "he who laughs last, laughs loudest" when explaining strategies for winning online arguments.

Other Ways to Say "He Who Laughs Last, Laughs Loudest"

There are several other expressions that convey a similar meaning to "he who laughs last, laughs loudest."

Here are some of them:

• The winner takes it all
• Victory is sweetest for the patient
• Patience pays off in the end
• Success tastes better after a struggle
• The last laugh is the sweetest
• It's not over until it's over
• Persistence leads to ultimate success

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "He Who Laughs Last, Laughs Loudest":

• What does "he who laughs last, laughs loudest" mean?

The phrase "he who laughs last, laughs loudest" means the person who has the final success or victory in a situation enjoys it the most, regardless of what happened earlier.

• How can I use "he who laughs last, laughs loudest" in a sentence?

You can use it to refer to a situation where someone has the final victory or success. For example: "We mustn't forget that he who laughs last laughs loudest. It's a great words to live by moving forward."

• Where does the idiom "he who laughs last, laughs loudest" come from?

The exact origin of this idiom is unclear, but it's believed to have originated from the concept of delayed gratification or success coming to those who wait patiently.

• Does the phrase suggest that early success is not important?

No, it doesn't imply that early success is unimportant. Rather, it emphasizes that the ultimate victory or final outcome is what counts the most.

• Can this phrase be used in a professional context?

Yes, it can be used in a professional context, especially when referring to long-term goals and achievements.

• Is there a similar phrase to "he who laughs last, laughs loudest"?

Yes, similar phrases include "he who laughs last, laughs best" and "the last laugh is the best."

• Does the phrase encourage patience?

Yes, the phrase implies that being patient and persistent can lead to ultimate success, even if there are challenges along the way.

• Is this phrase used globally?

Yes, the phrase is widely understood and used in many cultures around the world.

• Can this phrase be used in a negative context?

While it's typically used in a positive context to highlight eventual success, it can also be used negatively to indicate that someone may seem to be losing now, but they may get their revenge or triumph later.

• What is the significance of this phrase in literature?

In literature, this phrase is often used to create suspense or to highlight a character's ultimate triumph after a series of setbacks or failures.

Final Thoughts About "He Who Laughs Last, Laughs Loudest"

The saying "he who laughs last, laughs loudest" is a reminder that the final outcome is what truly matters in any situation. It encourages patience and persistence, as the one who gets the final success enjoys it the most.

Here's a quick recap:

• The idiom signifies that the ultimate victory or success is the most satisfying, regardless of earlier setbacks.
• This phrase can be used in various contexts, including personal life, business, sports, and literature, to emphasize the importance of the final outcome.
• It serves as an encouragement to stay patient and persistent in the face of challenges because the one who triumphs, in the end, gets the sweetest satisfaction.