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

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.

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

One of her mother's phrases came into her head: 'a lick and a promise.'

From The Old Wives' Tale by Bennett, Arnold