Last Laugh

See also Irony.

Alcyoneus

giant who threw stone at Hercules; killed when Hercules batted it back. [Gk. Myth.: Zimmerman, 17]

Diomedes

eaten by his own horses, which he had reared on human flesh. [Gk. and Rom. Myth.: Hall, 149]

Fulton’s Folly

everybody scoffed at his 1807 steamboat, the “Clermont.” [Am. Hist.: Jameson, 190]

Hop-Frog

immolates king and court after repeated insults. [Am. Lit.: “Hop-Frog” in Portable Poe, 317–329]

Magnificent Ambersons, The

Eugene acquires same position George fell from. [Am. Lit.: The Magnificent Ambersons]

Mordecai and Haman

latter hanged on gallows he built for former. [O.T.: Esther 7:9–10]

Palamon and Arcite

victorious jouster (Arcite) dies in fall; loser wins lady’s hand. [Br. Lit.: Canterbury Tales, “Palamon and Arcite”]

Pizarro, Don

illegally imprisons Florestan; is later imprisoned himself. [Ger. Opera: Beethoven, Fidelio, Westerman, 109–110]

Seward’s Folly

ridiculed purchase of Alaska proved wise buy (1867). [Am. Hist.: Van Doren, 254]

Truman, Harry S.

(1884–1972) presidential winner; photographed with Chicago Tribune headline announcing Dewey’s victory (1948). [Am. Hist.: Plain Speaking, 406]

Tuck, Friar

cajoled to ferry Robin across stream, dumps him returning. [Br. Lit.: Robin Hood]

Mentioned in

References in periodicals archive

You can get your hands on the gorgeous dresshere - we are so glad that Thea is having the last laugh.

ASOS' brilliant reaction to Tinder dress shame troll; This is the kind of positivity we love to see from a big fashion brand

"But you will have the last laugh; you are a successful, handsome young man with your whole life ahead of you.

Your views on the news

Daniel Coll, who had previously won Best Director for his version of Macbeth at the LA Independent Film Awards, directed Last Laugh, which was made using a mainly local cast and crew.

Eighties icon Toyah in film premier tonight

Let me share with you instances in the Bible and in history that God has the last laugh then, now, and will go on forever:

God has the last laugh

"They've got to play it because it says, 'just remember that the last laugh is on you', so they'll definitely play that one."

THE LAST LAUGH; Billy wants to speak from beyond the grave

London: Michael Clarke vowed to have the last laugh on all those who mocked his suggestion Australia could still win the Ashes after a crushing defeat at Lord's left them 2-0 down in the five-match series.

Clarke vows to have the last Ashes laugh

"But they failed and we have had the last laugh," he added.

News of the World staff have last laugh at editor with 'mocking' clues in crossword

The Millers were thrown a lifeline when Steve Williams was adjudged to have handled in injury time and Adam Le Fondre blasted home from the penalty spot - but Hanson had the last laugh.

ROTHERHAM 1 BRADFORD 2

In it, he defends his particular brand of comedy, which many slammed as racist, saying he "wouldn't have changed a thing" in his life, and that he had the last laugh.

Manning has the last laugh

But Darden was determined and would have the last laugh. Over the years, she would overcome such narrow-mindedness to grace the pages of scores of fashion and beauty magazines, including Mademoiselle.

Beauty and brains

He will thus have the last laugh over his bitter political rival Gordon Brown.

Letter: Blair's genius