"resting on your laurels"

Posted by Bruce Kahl on February 20, 2006

In Reply to: "Resting on your laurels" posted by Linda Laws on February 19, 2006

: I know what the phrase "resting on your laurels" means. What I don't understand is how you can "rest" on them, as you would on a mattress, when they are placed on your head. Would it mean that when you have been given many, many laurel wreaths you could show off by making them into a pillow you could actually rest on?

It is not resting literally as in laying down to take a nap.

The resting in the phrase refers to slowing down or pausing in your endeavors.

A salesman might have a good month and make a goodly sum in commissions. The following month he may slow down a bit, not working as hard. His superior may mention to him not to rest on his laurels.