Idiom Series: Mythology and History- To Rest on your Laurels

Welcome to the Idiom Series: Mythology and History!

Today, the idiom is ''rest on your laurels''.  Let's look at the full meaning of this idiom:

This idiom comes from the Greek tradition of using laurel wreaths as symbols of victory and status.  

Laurel wreaths were often presented to victors of war and athletic competitions, as well as politicians.

To rest on your laurels is to be so satisfied with your current or past success that you stop making an effort to improve or succeed further.

Getting the score you need on the TOEFL is a great achievement, but it's no reason to rest on your laurels--you still need to practice your academic writing skills.

In this sentence, it is understood that, while getting a good score on the TOEFL is a wonderful accomplishment, there is still more work to do.  Relaxing after a big accomplishment can be hazardous to further progress.

Can you think of a clever way to use this new idiom?  Leave it in the comments below, and tell me in our next class!