Have the last laugh
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Situational Usage
Use 'have the last laugh' when someone succeeds after initially being doubted or facing setbacks. 
After being cut from the team, Emma trained hard and had the last laugh when she won the championship.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
'Have the last laugh' is a figure of speech and doesn't involve actual laughing. 
Despite everyone's doubts, Jake had the last laugh when his invention worked perfectly.
Pro Tip 3/3Positive Outcome
The phrase often implies a positive outcome that vindicates someone after a period of doubt. 
They laughed at her eco-friendly project, but she had the last laugh when it earned her an award.