rest on your oars

rest on (one's) oars

To relax after achieving a goal or doing a physically strenuous activity (such as rowing, as the phrase suggests). I know you're happy to have won the election, but you can't just rest on your oars—you need to start planning your first act as class president now. After painting all morning, I had to rest on my oars for a bit before I moved on to the next room.
See also: oar, on, rest
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

rest on your oars

or

lean on your oars

BRITISH, OLD-FASHIONED
If a person or organization rests on their oars or leans on their oars, they do not work hard enough to make sure that they remain successful or get things done. The company has been resting on its oars and its competitors are catching up. Firms often take their time over making necessary changes, leaning on their oars while another study is done and another year goes by.
See also: oar, on, rest
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

rest on your oars

1 cease rowing by leaning on the handles of your oars, thereby lifting them horizontally out of the water. 2 relax your efforts.
A US variant of this phrase is lay on your oars .
See also: oar, on, rest
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • rest on (one's) oars
  • struggle on with
  • struggle on with (something)
  • settle down to (something)
  • get (one's) breath back
  • get your breath back
  • appetite
  • get up an appetite
  • work up a thirst
  • the easy option
References in periodicals archive
'Since your appointment as SGF, you have carried out your responsibilities with humility and impressive dedication, and I urge you not to rest on your oars,' President Buhari further noted.
Buhari Hails SGF's Hard Work On 63rd Birthday