lick and a promise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Dismissed foreign policy and foreign trade with a lick and a promise.

From Time Magazine Archive

Malachy whispers our wash was a lick and a promise, that’s what Mam would say.

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt

I shall but give it a lick and a promise; just mop up the wet, and dry the grate, and get a bit of fire alight.

From Verner's Pride by Wood, Henry, Mrs.

There was no "lick and a promise" in Nan Sherwood's housekeeping.

From Nan Sherwood at Pine Camp or, the Old Lumberman's Secret by Carr, Annie Roe

And when you polish your shoes in the morning preparatory to starting your day's work, do you just give them "a lick and a promise," or do you "make 'em shine?"

From Certain Success by Hawkins, Norval A.