look to laurels
Related to look to laurels: look to one's laurels
look to (one's) laurels
To actively maintain one's favorable position when faced with competition. ("Laurels" are achievements or honors.) If John wants to maintain his lead in the triathlon, he's going to have to look to his laurels. Sure, the recruiter likes you, but there are many good candidates for this job, so you better look to your laurels.
See also: laurel, look
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
look to one's laurels
Fig. to take care not to lower or diminish one's reputation or position, especially in relation to that of someone else potentially better. With the arrival of the new member of the football team, James will have to look to his laurels to remain as the highest scorer. The older members of the team will have to look to their laurels when the new players arrive.
See also: laurel, look
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- look to (one's) laurels
- look to one's laurels
- look to your laurels
- maintain (something) at (something)
- maintain at
- stand (one's) ground
- stand one's ground
- stand your ground
- hold (one's) ground
- hold/stand your ground