# lick one's wounds

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/lick-ones-wounds
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To withdraw temporarily while recovering from a defeat; to recuperate.

## Examples

- He went home to lick his wounds after losing the game.
- After the company lost the big contract, the team spent the weekend licking their wounds before planning their next move.
- Following the crushing defeat in the election, the candidate retreated to his private estate to lick his wounds and reflect on his future in politics.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.