Example: No te duermas en los laureles después de conseguir el trabajo.
Definition
"Dormirse en los laureles" is a Spanish expression meaning to become complacent or stop making an effort after achieving success or reaching a goal. For example, it warns against resting too much after securing a job or accomplishment.
Translations
to rest on one's laurels
op zijn lauweren rusten
adormir-se als llorers
se reposer sur ses lauriers
sich auf seinen Lorbeeren ausruhen
Etymology
The phrase "dormirse en los laureles" originates from the ancient tradition where victors were crowned with laurel wreaths as a symbol of honor and achievement. The expression humorously suggests falling asleep on these laurels, implying that one rests too much on past successes instead of continuing to strive forward.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Dormirse en los laureles" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (C1) - parte 1", containing 120 commonly used expressions.
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to rest on one's laurels