A lick and a promise

usgb
phrase

To quickly, casually, or incompletely do something with the intention of returning to it later.

He gave the room a lick and a promise, and said he would finish cleaning later.
Visual representation of "a lick and a promise" - to quickly, casually, or incompletely do something with the intention of returning to it later

Often appears as...

  • give something a lick and a promise
  • do a lick and a promise

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "a lick and a promise"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Implies Incompleteness

The phrase suggests a task is done incompletely, with an intention to finish it later.

Illustration for Implies Incompleteness
I only had time to give my essay a lick and a promise before the submission.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not for Formal Use

It's casual and may be inappropriate in formal or professional communication.

Illustration for Not for Formal Use
You wouldn't 'give a report a lick and a promise' in a business setting.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Suggests Rush

Implies something was done hastily, often due to a shortage of time.

Illustration for Suggests Rush
Sorry for the sketch, I could only do a lick and a promise during the meeting.
Visual representation of the word "A lick and a promise"

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