ProverbHuman Nature
English originc. 1608
English originc. 1608He laughs best that laughs last
Meaning: Final triumph matters more than immediate advantage or temporary mockery.
Origin: An early version is in The Christmas Prince, a student play performed at Oxford around 1608: "He laugheth best that laugheth to the end." The modern wording was in use by the 19th century, and French has the same thought in rira bien qui rira le dernier. It warns that whoever gloats too early may find the final outcome turns against them.
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