Conclusion
“A lick and a promise” is a phrase that is used to describe a hasty and incomplete job or task. It is a colloquial expression that is often used in informal settings. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of “a lick and a promise.”
Definitions
The phrase “a lick and a promise” is used to describe a job or task that is done quickly and without much effort. The “lick” refers to a quick and cursory cleaning, while the “promise” refers to the intention to do a more thorough job later.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “a lick and a promise” is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 19th century. It may have come from the practice of quickly cleaning a child’s face with a lick of a handkerchief and a promise to do a more thorough job later.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The phrase “a lick and a promise” is not a formal term, and it is not found in most dictionaries. However, some dictionaries define it as a hasty or superficial effort.
Associations
The phrase “a lick and a promise” is often associated with tasks that are done quickly and without much effort. It is also associated with tasks that are done with the intention of doing a more thorough job later.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for “a lick and a promise” include hasty, cursory, superficial, and perfunctory.
Antonyms
Some antonyms for “a lick and a promise” include thorough, meticulous, detailed, and comprehensive.
The same root words
The phrase “a lick and a promise” does not have any root words, as it is a colloquial expression.
Example Sentences
- “He only gave the kitchen a lick and a promise, and it still looks dirty.”
- “She did a lick and a promise on her homework, and her teacher was not impressed.”
- “I’ll just give the car a lick and a promise for now, and then take it to the car wash tomorrow.”
In conclusion, “a lick and a promise” is a colloquial expression that is used to describe a hasty and incomplete job or task. It is often associated with tasks that are done quickly and without much effort, with the intention of doing a more thorough job later. While it is not a formal term, it is still widely used in informal settings.