ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hit a lick

idiom
Meaning

To earn a large sum of money in a short amount of time, usually illegally.


Origin

disputed origin

In its basic meaning, a reference to a robbery of a liquor store.

Examples
SIMPLE

He hopes to hit a lick and buy a new car today.

CONTEXTUAL

The young man bragged to his friends that he could hit a lick if he found the right opportunity.

COMPLEX

Driven by desperation and the promise of quick wealth, he decided to hit a lick despite the obvious risks involved.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    don't let the door hit you on the way out

    Used as a command to leave in haste, or to indicate that one is glad, or at least unmoved, to see the addressed person leaving.

  2. 02

    fall out of the ugly tree and hit every branch

    To become extremely unattractive.

  3. 03

    hit a snag

    To encounter an unexpected problem or delay.

  4. 04

    hit a wall

    To come up against an insurmountable problem.

  5. 05

    hit above one's weight

    Alternative form of punch above one's weight.

  6. 06

    hit and run

    Sexual intercourse followed by a prompt departure; a one-night stand.

  7. 07

    hit below one's weight

    Alternative form of punch below one's weight.

  8. 08

    hit home

    To be especially memorable, meaningful, or significant; to be fully understood, believed or appreciated.

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