Lick your wounds

usgb
verb

To take time to recover after a defeat or setback.

The team went home to lick their wounds after losing the championship game.
Visual representation of "lick your wounds" - To take time to recover after a defeat or setback

Often appears as...

  • go home to lick wounds
  • take time to lick wounds

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "lick your wounds"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Healing

This phrase suggests recovery from an emotional or psychological setback, not physical injury.

Illustration for Metaphorical Healing
After the argument, she needed time to lick her wounds.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

The phrase doesn't mean actual licking of wounds; it's a figure of speech borrowed from the animal kingdom.

Illustration for Not Literal
Defeated in the debate, the candidate retreated to lick his wounds.
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Personal Recovery

Use this expression when someone needs time alone to deal with their troubles or failures.

Illustration for Personal Recovery
She's licking her wounds after the breakup.
Visual representation of the word "Lick your wounds"

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