last laugh, have the

have the last laugh

To ultimately achieve success after encountering adversity or doubt from others. After so many people dismissed her, Lisa had the last laugh by moving to Hollywood and becoming a well-known character actress.
See also: have, last, laugh
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

last laugh, have the

Succeed in the end, after some earlier reverses. For example, We'll have the last laugh when they learn we got the contract. This expression, alluding to laughing at the loser, appeared in slightly different form in the mid-1500s and gave rise to the modern proverbial phrase, He who laughs last laughs best (or He laughs best who laughs last).
See also: have, last
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • have the last laugh
  • last laugh, to have the
  • come up trumps
  • person of color
  • lasting
  • first impressions are the most lasting
  • a stout heart
  • be on the ragged edge
  • with one hand tied behind (one's) back
  • with one hand tied behind back