Lick/smack your lips
verb
To show that you are eager to eat something or looking forward to it.
When he smelled the delicious food, he began to lick his lips in anticipation.
Often appears as...
- lick your lips in anticipation
- smacking your lips at the sight
Usage tips
Colloquial, Idiomatic
verb
To show that you are feeling very pleased, especially about something or someone you have found and that you think you can use or exploit.
When he saw the young talent, the talent scout started to lick his lips.
Often appears as...
- lick your lips at the thought
- licking your lips with delight
Usage tips
Colloquial, Idiomatic
verb
To show that you are eager to eat something or looking forward to it.
When he smelled the delicious food, he began to lick his lips in anticipation.
Often appears as...
- lick your lips in anticipation
- smacking your lips at the sight
Usage tips
Colloquial, Idiomatic
verb
To show that you are feeling very pleased, especially about something or someone you have found and that you think you can use or exploit.
When he saw the young talent, the talent scout started to lick his lips.
Often appears as...
- lick your lips at the thought
- licking your lips with delight
Usage tips
Colloquial, Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Hungry Anticipation
Use when someone can't wait to eat and shows it by preparing their mouth.
Seeing the cupcakes come out of the oven, the kids licked their lips.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphoric Hunger
Considered more playful or expressive than the direct statement of hunger or desire.
He licked his lips at the prospect of the pizza buffet.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-verbal Cue
Often accompanies a physical gesture that suggests hunger or craving.
She licked her lips hungrily, eyeing the last piece of cake.
Pro Tip 1/3Hungry Anticipation
Use when someone can't wait to eat and shows it by preparing their mouth.
Seeing the cupcakes come out of the oven, the kids licked their lips.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphoric Hunger
Considered more playful or expressive than the direct statement of hunger or desire.
He licked his lips at the prospect of the pizza buffet.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-verbal Cue
Often accompanies a physical gesture that suggests hunger or craving.
She licked her lips hungrily, eyeing the last piece of cake.
Pro Tip 1/3Hungry Anticipation
Use when someone can't wait to eat and shows it by preparing their mouth.
Seeing the cupcakes come out of the oven, the kids licked their lips.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphoric Hunger
Considered more playful or expressive than the direct statement of hunger or desire.
He licked his lips at the prospect of the pizza buffet.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-verbal Cue
Often accompanies a physical gesture that suggests hunger or craving.
She licked her lips hungrily, eyeing the last piece of cake.
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