Resting on Laurels
If you have stopped trying because you are too satisfied with your past accomplishments, you are resting on your laurels. This idea dates back to leaders and athletic stars of ancient Greece. In Hellenic times, laurel leaves were associated with Apollo, the god of music, prophecy and poetry. Apollo was commonly shown wearing a crown of laurel leaves, and the plant eventually became a symbol of status and achievement which was given to victorious athletes. Revered athletes or “laureates,” were thus able to “rest on their laurels” by basking in the glory of past achievements. Later, however, the phrase took on a negative connotation; and since the 1800's it has referred to those who are overly satisfied with past achievements.