How Do You Spell LICK AND A PROMISE?

Pronunciation: [lˈɪk and ɐ pɹˈɒmɪs] (IPA)

The phrase "lick and a promise" is an idiom that describes a hurried or careless attempt to complete a task. The word "lick" is pronounced /lɪk/ and refers to a quick stroke of the tongue or something wetting the surface. "Promise" is pronounced /ˈprɒm.ɪs/ and refers to a commitment to do something. Together, the phrase suggests using just a quick lick to clean something and promising to do a more thorough job later. The origin of this phrase is uncertain, but it has been in use since at least the 1700s.

LICK AND A PROMISE Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "lick and a promise" is an idiomatic expression that originated from the early 19th century, mainly in British English. This colloquialism is used to describe a superficial or hasty attempt to perform a task or chore without giving it the full attention or effort it requires.

   The term "lick" in this context signifies a quick lick or swipe, similar to the action of a cat cleaning itself. It suggests a minimal, cursory effort given to complete a task. The word "promise" refers to the intention or assurance of completing the task properly at a later, more convenient time.

   When someone gives something a "lick and a promise," they are suggesting that they will do a brief or insufficient job and will leave the rest for later. It often connotes laziness or negligence in performing a duty, emphasizing the lack of thoroughness or dedication.

   This phrase is commonly used in discussions surrounding cleaning, tidying, or doing chores quickly. It can also be applied metaphorically to describe incomplete or haphazard work in other areas of life, such as studying, problem-solving, or decision-making.

   Overall, "lick and a promise" captures the idea of a minimal effort or hasty action that leaves much more to be desired, implying the need for further attention or improvement in order to fully accomplish the task.

Common Misspellings for LICK AND A PROMISE

• kick and a promise
• pick and a promise
• oick and a promise
• luck and a promise
• ljck and a promise
• lkck and a promise
• lock and a promise
• l9ck and a promise
• l8ck and a promise
• lixk and a promise
• livk and a promise
• lifk and a promise
• lidk and a promise
• licj and a promise
• licm and a promise
• licl and a promise
• lico and a promise
• lici and a promise
• lick znd a promise
• lick snd a promise

Idioms with the word LICK AND A PROMISE

• give sth a lick and a promise The idiom "give something a lick and a promise" means to quickly and superficially clean or do something without much effort or thoroughness. It implies that the task is being done hastily or without much care, intending to complete it properly at a later time.
• give (something) a lick and a promise The idiom "give (something) a lick and a promise" means to make a hasty or superficial effort towards completing a task or cleaning something without fully completing it or doing it properly. It implies that only a small amount of effort or attention is given to a task, with the promise or intention of returning to complete it properly at a later time.
• a lick and a promise The idiom "a lick and a promise" is used to describe doing something hurriedly or incompletely, usually referring to performing a task with minimum effort or attention to detail. It suggests that the task will require further attention or improvement at a later time. The phrase originates from the practice of quickly washing one's face or body with a lick of water and then promising to do a proper cleaning later. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a half-hearted effort or a superficial attempt.
• lick and a promise, a An incomplete or hasty job or effort, often done quickly and without much care or attention to detail.
• *lick and a promise The idiom "a lick and a promise" refers to doing something quickly and carelessly, without putting much effort or attention into it. It often implies doing a task superficially or incompletely, with the intention of going back to finish or improve it later.