lical.html - {n. phr.}, {informal} A careless, hasty job; an unsatisfactory piece of work. * /You didn't wash your hands. You just gave them a lick and a promise./ * /The boys didn't cut the grass properly. All it got was a lick and a promise./

lical.html - {v. phr.} To make perfect; drill; train. * /The sergeant licked the new volunteer army into shape in three months./

lical.html - {v. phr.} To flatter or act like a slave; do anything to please another. * /She wanted her boyfriend to lick her boots all the time./ * /A wise king would not want his friends and officials to lick his boots./

lical.html - {v. phr.}, {informal} To think about something pleasant; enjoy the thought of something. * /John is licking his chops about the steak dinner tonight./ * /Tom is licking his chops about the lifeguard job he will have at the beach next summer./ * /Our team is licking its chops because we beat the champions last night./ (From the fact that some animals lick their mouths when they expect to be fed or when they see food and after eating.) Compare: LOOK FORWARD TO, MAKE ONE'S MOUTH WATER.

lical.html - See: BEAT THE --- OUT OF.

lical.html - {adv.}, {informal} At full speed; with a rush. * /As soon as school was out the boys ran lickety-split to the swimming pool./