a lick and a promise
Definition of a lick and a promise
1 US : a quick and careless attempt to do something They gave the budget problems a lick and a promise and then moved on to the next issue.
2 British : the act of washing something quickly or carelessly He gave the car a lick and a promise.
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Word by Word Definitions
: to draw the tongue over
: to flicker over like a tongue
: to take into the mouth with the tongue : lap
: an act or instance of licking
: a small amount : bit
: a hasty careless effort
: a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified
: a legally binding declaration that gives the person to whom it is made a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act
: reason to expect something
: to pledge to do, bring about, or provide
: warrant, assure
: betroth
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