# he who laughs last laughs loudest

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/he-who-laughs-last-laughs-loudest
Updated: 2026-06-07

## Meaning

I'll get you back for what you did

## Examples

- He thinks he won, but he who laughs last laughs loudest.
- My coworker took credit for my idea today, but I know the boss will find out the truth soon; he who laughs last laughs loudest.
- Although the rival company currently dominates the market through aggressive tactics, our legal team is confident that he who laughs last laughs loudest once the investigation concludes.

## Origin

From the 17th-century proverb 'He laugheth best that laugheth to the end', recorded in the play The Christmas Prince (1608).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.