Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

to lick your wounds

idiom

tə lɪk jʊr wuːndz

Definition

To recover from an emotional or physical injury or setback.

Examples

After losing the match, the team needed some time to lick their wounds before next season.
She took a few days off to lick her wounds after the breakup.
Sometimes, it’s important to lick your wounds before you tackle new challenges.

Meaning

This phrase describes the process of taking time to heal after experiencing disappointment, failure, or hurt. It often involves seeking comfort and reflecting on the situation before moving on.