lick one's wounds

phrase

: to recover from defeat or disappointment

Word History

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lick one's wounds was in 1661

Rhymes for lick one's wounds

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Browse Nearby Words

lick one's lips
lick one's wounds
lickpenny
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Cite this Entry

“Lick one's wounds.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lick%20one%27s%20wounds. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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