An evergreen shrub with glossy leaves, historically used to make wreaths for winners; also symbolizing honor, achievement, or victory.
From Old French 'lorel,' from Latin 'laurus.' In ancient Greece and Rome, laurel wreaths crowned victors, warriors, and poets.
The phrase 'rest on one's laurels' comes from ancient Rome where victors were literally crowned with laurel wreaths—so the expression means don't just accept past victories, suggesting that ancient traditions shaped how we talk about achievement.
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