Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

lick-your-wounds

idiom

/lɪk jʊər wʊndz/

Definition

To recover from a setback or difficult situation, often after experiencing a loss or defeat.

Examples

After losing the championship game, the team needed some time to lick their wounds before facing the next season.
She took a week off work to lick her wounds after the breakup.
It’s important to let yourself lick your wounds after a tough experience, so you can come back stronger.

Meaning

This phrase refers to the act of taking time to heal emotionally or mentally after an adverse event. It’s derived from the behavior of animals that lick their wounds to soothe pain and promote healing.