Who said “They laugh well who laugh last.”?

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Saying. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceFrench proverb; recorded in James Wood, Dictionary of Quotations (1899), p. 387

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“They laugh well who laugh last.”
— Saying
Original (French)

Rira bien qui rira le dernier

VerifiedFrench proverb; recorded in James Wood, Dictionary of Quotations (1899), p. 387 · evidenceLaughter

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: French proverb; recorded in James Wood, Dictionary of Quotations (1899), p. 387.

APA

Saying (n.d.). They laugh well who laugh last. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/25471-they-laugh-well-who-laugh-last/

MLA

Saying. “They laugh well who laugh last.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/25471-they-laugh-well-who-laugh-last/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Saying. “They laugh well who laugh last.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/25471-they-laugh-well-who-laugh-last/.

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