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

But as he was dressing in very great haste, Much time spent in washing he thought would be waste; So a lick and a promise was just to his taste.

From The Anglican Friar and the Fish which he Took by Hook and by Crook by Novice, A.

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.

As a reporter, he was really industrious in matters that met his fancy; but "cast-iron items"—for he hated facts and figures requiring absolute accuracy—got from him only "a lick and a promise."

From Mark Twain by Henderson, Archibald