licking

/'likiɳ/
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licking

The team suffered a convincing licking in the championship game.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A sound defeat or loss: A clear and decisive failure in a competition, contest, or struggle.
    • The act of beating or thrashing: The act of inflicting physical punishment or a severe beating on someone.
Usage
  • As a noun (defeat):
    • The word "licking" is an informal term for a significant defeat. It is often used in contexts involving sports, battles, or competitive situations.
    • Example: The team took a real licking in the championship game, losing by thirty points.
  • As a noun (beating):
    • This meaning refers to a physical beating, often as a form of punishment. This usage is also informal.
    • Example: In the old story, the bully threatened to give the smaller boy a good licking.
Examples
  • Noun (defeat):
    • After a series of victories, their convincing licking in the final match was a surprise.
    • The company's new product got a licking from its established competitors.
  • Noun (beating):
    • The pirate captain promised a licking to any crew member who disobeyed orders.
    • He got a licking from his father for breaking the window.
Advanced Usage
  • "to give (someone) a licking": To defeat someone soundly or to beat them physically.
    • The veteran chess player gave the newcomer a licking.
  • "to take a licking": To suffer a severe defeat or a physical beating.
    • The old car has taken a licking over the years, but it still runs.
  • "to get a licking": To receive a beating or to be defeated.
    • Our team got a licking, but we'll train harder for the next game.
Variants and Related Words
  • Lick (verb): To pass the tongue over something. ()
  • Lick (noun, informal): A small amount or a quick attempt. () This is a different, idiomatic use of the base word.
  • Thrashing (noun): A synonym for a severe beating or a decisive defeat.
Synonyms
  • Defeat: The fact of being defeated in a contest.
  • Drubbing: A decisive defeat.
  • Thrashing: A heavy defeat or a beating.
  • Beating: A punishment or assault involving hitting repeatedly.
Related Phrases
  • "A lick and a promise": (Idiom) A hurried or careless performance of a task.
    • I didn't have time to clean thoroughly, so I just gave the room a lick and a promise.
    • Note: This idiom uses the base word "lick" and is related to the verb meaning, not directly to "licking" as a defeat.
Idioms
  • "Take a licking but keep on ticking": (Informal) To endure hardship, damage, or defeat and continue to function. This phrase was popularized by an old advertisement for Timex watches.
    • Our small business has taken a licking during the recession, but we keep on ticking.
licking

The team suffered a convincing licking in the championship game.

Noun
  1. the act of inflicting corporal punishment with repeated blows
  2. an unsuccessful ending to a struggle or contest
    • it was a narrow defeat
    • the army's only defeat
    • they suffered a convincing licking

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