have the last laugh

== English == === Alternative forms === get the last laugh === Pronunciation === === Verb === have the last laugh (third-person singular simple present has the last laugh, present participle having the last laugh, simple past and past participle had the last laugh) (idiomatic) To be vindicated; to triumph despite predicted failure; to find success after defeat or setback. The author had the last laugh over the publishers who had rejected her now best-selling book. ==== See also ==== he who laughs last laughs best laugh all the way to the bank laugh on the other side of one's face the joke is on someone have the last word