he who laughs last laughs longest

he who laughs last, laughs longest

proverb The person who has the final, decisive move or victory in a feud, quarrel, or competition is the only one who is truly successful. He may have won this round, but I'm going to come back with a vengeance in the final. He who laughs last, laughs longest. I've waited years for revenge for what you did to me, but he who laughs last, laughs longest. Now, your entire empire is in tatters.
See also: he, laugh, long, who
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

he who laughs ˌlast laughs ˈlongest

(saying) do not be too proud of your present success; in the end another person may be more successful than you: You think just because you’ve won this game, that means you’re the best player. Well, wait until the championship. Remember, he who laughs last laughs longest.
See also: he, last, laugh, long, who
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • teach a man to fish
  • it takes a village
  • village
  • a man is judged by the company he keeps
  • a man is known by the company he keeps
  • best-laid plans go astray, the
  • the best-laid plans
  • the best-laid plans go astray
  • the best-laid plans of mice and men
  • a Jack of all trades is a master of none
References in periodicals archive
Eagles peaks for Mulholland He who laughs last laughs longest. If that is the case Dave Mulholland should be heard all over Newmarket after the success of Eagles Peak.
Rougemont gets Classic quotes after 25-1 surprise
Phil Collins's he who laughs last laughs longest (2006) records a laughing contest in that dourest of countries, Scotland; whoever laughs longest wins.
Acting Out
It is a true saying that he who laughs last laughs longest, and there can be little doubt that Portugal have improved tremendously from their timid performance in the competition curtain-raiser.
Portuguese subs are moving in on Greece
It is a true saying that he who laughs last laughs longest, and there can be little doubt that Portugal have improved tremendously in their subsequent matches following their timid performance in the competition curtainraiser.
Football: Euro 2004: Lightning could strike twice for hopeful hosts
HE who laughs last laughs longest - and Bradford City were laughing long and loud after pulling off possibly the greatest escape the Premiership has ever seen.
AGONY AND THE ECSTASY; BRADFORD 1 LIVERPOOL 0
IF it is true that he who laughs last laughs longest, then Alan Ball will have had an hilarious few days.
I'd rather see grass grow than girls' final
THEY say that he who laughs last laughs longest, and Ivory Coast are worth backing at 13-5 to earn a swift revenge for their Group A defeat by Egypt when the sides meet again in this afternoon's African Nations Cup final in Cairo.
Football: Elephants can start World Cup stampede; AFRICAN NATIONS CUP FINAL
THEY say he who laughs last laughs longest, and while Real Madrid were happier than opponents Valencia with Sunday night's 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu, it may be Rafa Benitez's team who are smiling at the end of the Spanish league season.
Football: Valencia hit by a poor penalty call