ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take a licking and keep on ticking

idiom

To be tough; to have endurance; to have the capacity to absorb stress or damage, but still be able to function.


Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    clock is ticking

    Time is running out; a deadline is approaching.

  2. 02

    cobbler, keep to your last

    One should not criticise matters outside one's field of expertise; one should mind one's business.

  3. 03

    cross to take up

    Alternative form of cross to bear.

  4. 04

    earn one's keep

    To perform satisfactory physical labor or to provide other worthy services in return for remuneration, lodging, or other benefits; to support oneself financially.

  5. 05

    forget to take one's medication this morning

    To be annoyed or irritable, or to behave in an ill-mannered way, particularly in the morning.

  6. 06

    give and take

    A process of compromise or accommodation.

  7. 07

    give someone an inch and someone will take a mile

    Alternative form of give them an inch and they'll take a mile.

  8. 08

    I take it

    Used to express one's understanding of another's position.

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