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    What is the origin of the phrase "resting on one's laurels"?

    Question #48424. Asked by Ron Tripsitter. (Jun 15 04 11:33 AM)


    pbombard

    		In the ancient Pythian games held at Delphi in Greece and regarded as second in importance only to the Olympics, the winner was crowned with a wreath of laurels, which has remained a symbol of victory or distinction to the present day. The adjective laureate means 'as if crowned with a laurel-wreath as a sign of special honour'. To rest on one's laurels is (ill-advisedly) to live off one's reputation or refrain from further effort because of satisfaction with what one has already achieved.
    http://users.tinyonline.co.uk/gswithenbank/sayingsr.htm

    Jun 15 04, 11:54 AM

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