Last Laugh
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Related to Last Laugh: have the last laugh
Last Laugh
See also Irony.
Alcyoneusgiant who threw stone at Hercules; killed when Hercules batted it back. [Gk. Myth.: Zimmerman, 17]
eaten by his own horses, which he had reared on human flesh. [Gk. and Rom. Myth.: Hall, 149]
everybody scoffed at his 1807 steamboat, the “Clermont.” [Am. Hist.: Jameson, 190]
immolates king and court after repeated insults. [Am. Lit.: “Hop-Frog” in Portable Poe, 317–329]
Eugene acquires same position George fell from. [Am. Lit.: The Magnificent Ambersons]
latter hanged on gallows he built for former. [O.T.: Esther 7:9–10]
victorious jouster (Arcite) dies in fall; loser wins lady’s hand. [Br. Lit.: Canterbury Tales, “Palamon and Arcite”]
illegally imprisons Florestan; is later imprisoned himself. [Ger. Opera: Beethoven, Fidelio, Westerman, 109–110]
ridiculed purchase of Alaska proved wise buy (1867). [Am. Hist.: Van Doren, 254]
(1884–1972) presidential winner; photographed with Chicago Tribune headline announcing Dewey’s victory (1948). [Am. Hist.: Plain Speaking, 406]
cajoled to ferry Robin across stream, dumps him returning. [Br. Lit.: Robin Hood]
Allusions—Cultural, Literary, Biblical, and Historical: A Thematic Dictionary. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.