# take a licking and keep on ticking

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-a-licking-and-keep-on-ticking
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- This old car can take a licking and keep on ticking.
- Our old washing machine takes a licking and keeps on ticking every day.
- You take a licking and keep on ticking even when work gets stressful.
- Even after the heavy storm damaged the roof, the sturdy house managed to take a licking and keep on ticking.
- My smartphone fell down the stairs and the screen cracked, but it can take a licking and keep on ticking.
- The boxer took several hard hits during the final round, yet he continues to take a licking and keep on ticking.
- Despite the relentless economic pressures and repeated setbacks, the small business proved it could take a licking and keep on ticking through sheer persistence.

## Origin

Derived from the advertising slogan for Timex wristwatches. The phrase was introduced in the 1950s to emphasize the durability of the brand’s products during various televised demonstrations of mechanical resilience.

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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.