have the last laugh

have the last laugh

to make someone who has criticized or defeated you look stupid by succeeding at something more important or by seeing them fail. They fired her last year but she had the last laugh because she was taken on by their main rivals at twice the salary.

See also: last, laugh

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have the last laugh

to succeed when others thought you would not. The company fired her last year but she had the last laugh because she was hired by their main rival at twice the salary.

Usage notes: sometimes used with get: She said I'd never make it to college, but I got the last laugh.

See also: last, laugh