lick 'em and stick 'em
A fixed-order word pair (irreversible binomial); full definition pending editorial review.
English · UK & Ireland 770
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Where will you be? Anywhere UK & IrelandUnited StatesOnline slangBusiness jargon
Expressions you’ll hear in Britain and Ireland — distinctly British usage first, then widespread staples.
lick and a promise
A superficial or cursory effort
lick into shape
to train or discipline someone into an acceptable state
lick log
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
lick my balls
to do something extremely unpleasant or humiliating
lick one's chops
To show eagerness or anticipation, often for something unpleasant to happen to someone else
lick one's wounds
to rest and recover after a defeat or setback
lick out
to thoroughly search or clean out
lick someone's ass
to excessively flatter or try to win someone's favor
lick someone's balls
to excessively flatter or try to please someone
lick the pants off
to thoroughly outdo or defeat someone
lie at someone's door
be someone's responsibility or fault
Lie back and think of England
Endure an unpleasant situation with stoic resignation
lie before
To exist or be present in the future
lie ill in one's mouth
to be unconvincing or implausible
lie in one's throat
To speak falsely or tell a lie
lie in wait
To remain hidden and ready to attack or surprise someone
lie low
To avoid attention or detection by hiding or remaining quiet
lie through one's teeth
to tell lies or falsehoods deliberately
life and limb
At risk of serious injury or death
life and soul of the party
The most lively and entertaining person at a social gathering
life begins at forty
People often reach their prime after age 40
life is not all beer and skittles
Life has its unpleasant aspects
life is too short
One should prioritize enjoyment and not waste time on unpleasant things
life is too short not to do something that matters
Prioritize meaningful activities
life is what you make it
One's experiences and circumstances are shaped by personal choices and attitudes
life of its own
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
life of Riley
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
life of the party
The most entertaining and lively person in a social gathering
life or death
extremely important or serious
life's a bitch
Life is difficult and unfair
lift a finger against
to take action or make an effort to harm someone
lift all boats
Improves the situation for everyone
lift one's game
Improve one's performance or effort
lift one's hand against
to threaten or attack someone
lift someone's spirits
To improve someone's mood or morale
light a fire under
to motivate or prompt someone to take action
light at the end of the tunnel
A sign of hope or improvement after difficulties
light bucket
A telescope or other optical instrument with high sensitivity
light in the loafers
slang for someone suspected of being gay
light into
to attack or criticize someone or something suddenly and forcefully
light of one's life
A person who brings great joy and happiness to someone's life
light skirt
A woman of loose or immoral character
light someone's ass up
to severely criticize or scold someone
light the blue touchpaper
To provoke a strong reaction or cause trouble
light up
To become brighter or more lively
light up a room
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
light-bulb moment
A sudden realization or insight
lighten someone's purse
to steal someone's money
lighten up
become less serious or tense
lightning fast
Extremely quick or speedy
lightning in a bottle
Something rare and special that is difficult to repeat or capture
lightning never strikes twice in the same place
An unlikely event will not repeat itself
lightning strike
a sudden, unexpected event
lights out
completely defeating or outdoing someone
like a bull at a gate
To act impulsively and aggressively
like a champ
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
like a chicken with the pip
feeling sick or unwell
like a demon
With great energy or intensity
like a duck takes to water
to take to something very quickly and naturally