Definition of lick

lickverb

liếm

/lɪk//lɪk/

The word "lick" has multiple origins and meanings, some of which are still in use today. The most commonly known usage of the word is as a verb, meaning to quickly lick or taste something. The origin of this usage can be traced back to the Middle English word "licken," which meant to moisten, lick, or kiss. This word was derived from the Old Norse word "líkkja," which had a similar meaning. As the English language evolved, "lick" also came to mean a group of animals, such as deer or turkeys, who gather together for socializing and protection. This usage dates back to the early 19th century, and the term was likely derived from the earlier sense of "lick" as a gathering or meeting place. In addition to these two meanings, "lick" has also been used as a noun to refer to a soft, flat, rock surface with water encoded inside, which is found in desert areas. This usage has its origins in the early 1900s and is likely derived from the earlier sense of "lick" as a place where water is readily found. Overall, the word "lick" has evolved and adapted to take on new meanings over time, while still retaining some of its original roots. Its diverse range of usages highlights the rich, complex nature of the English language and its ongoing evolution.

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to move your tongue over the surface of something in order to eat it, make it wet or clean it

di chuyển lưỡi của bạn trên bề mặt của một cái gì đó để ăn nó, làm ướt hoặc làm sạch nó

Example:
  • He licked his fingers.

    Anh liếm ngón tay.

  • I'm tired of licking envelopes.

    Tôi chán việc liếm phong bì rồi.

  • The cat sat licking its paws.

    Con mèo ngồi liếm chân.

  • She licked the spoon clean.

    Cô liếm sạch chiếc thìa.

to eat or drink something by licking it

ăn hoặc uống thứ gì đó bằng cách liếm nó

Example:
  • The cat licked up the milk.

    Con mèo liếm sữa.

  • She licked the honey off the spoon.

    Cô liếm mật ong khỏi thìa.

to touch something lightly

chạm nhẹ vào cái gì đó

Example:
  • Flames were soon licking the curtains.

    Ngọn lửa đã nhanh chóng liếm vào rèm cửa.

  • The flames were now licking at their feet.

    Ngọn lửa bây giờ đang liếm vào chân họ.

to easily defeat somebody or deal with something

dễ dàng đánh bại ai đó hoặc đối phó với cái gì đó

Example:
  • We thought we had them licked.

    Chúng tôi nghĩ rằng chúng tôi đã liếm chúng.

  • It was a tricky problem but I think we've licked it.

    Đó là một vấn đề khó khăn nhưng tôi nghĩ chúng tôi đã thành công.

Idioms

get/knock/lick somebody into shape
to train somebody so that they do a particular job, task, etc. well
  • It took him just two weeks to knock the new recruits into shape.
  • lick somebody’s boots
    (disapproving)to show too much respect for somebody in authority because you want to please them
    lick/get/knock somebody into shape
    to train somebody so that they do a particular job, task, etc. well
  • Leave the boy with me—I'll soon lick him into shape!
  • lick your lips
    to move your tongue over your lips, especially before eating something good
    (informal)to show that you are excited about something and want it to happen soon
  • They were licking their lips at the thought of clinching the deal.
  • lick your wounds
    to spend time trying to get your strength or confidence back after a defeat or a disappointing experience
  • Leeds are still licking their wounds after their humiliating defeat by Grimsby.