Phrase guide

have the last laugh

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To be vindicated; to triumph despite predicted failure; to find success after defeat or setback.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • The author had the last laugh over the publishers who had rejected her now best-selling book.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.