A Lick and a Promise
Definition: A superficial cleaning; a hasty, perfunctory performance, often suggesting a more thorough job will be done later. It possibly alludes to the quick lick a cat might give itself.
Synonyms:
- Make-do job
- Quick tidy-up
- Superficial effort
- Skim-over
- Token gesture
Antonyms:
- Deep clean
- Meticulous work
- Thorough preparation
Related Terms:
- Hit the High Spots: To give a hasty or superficial summary or account.
- Doing a Slapdash Job: Completing a task with careless speed and poor quality.
- Cutting Corners: Doing something in the easiest, cheapest, or quickest way, often leading to poor results.
Humor-Filled Quote:
“You can give it a lick and a promise all you want, but if you promise a lick, then lick you shall.” - Unknown Procrastinator’s Proverb
Proverb Examples:
- “To cut corners is not only to do a lick and a promise but to lay future disasters.”
- “A job worth doing is worth doing well, not just a lick and a promise.”
Literature Suggestions:
- All Round the Wrekin by W. White (1860) – Original citation of the cliché.
- Lazy Lawrence by Maria Edgeworth – A tale that might remind one of a lick-and-a-promise kind of character surnamed Lazy.
- Procrastination by Roman D. Shelfer – Dive into the psyche of those who would offer a lick and a promise.
Songs:
- 🤷♂️ “A Lick and a Promise” by Aerosmith – An allusion to hurried efforts and unkept promises.
- 🎶 “Half-heartedness” by R.E.M. – A song that captures the essence of doing things perfunctorily.
Movies:
- Liar Liar – Starring Jim Carrey, with immense trials from making quick promises he can’t keep.
- The Incredibles – A movie full of moments where heroes have to catch up and clean up their messes quickly and effectively.
Farewell Thought:
Always remember, while a lick and a promise might get you through the day, it’s the thorough and diligent that stand the test of time. Embrace every action fully, or prepare for a lifetime of unfinished endeavors.
### Which phrase refers to a superficial effort?
- [x] A lick and a promise
- [ ] A thorough scrubbing
- [ ] Full steam ahead
- [ ] Completely polished
> **Explanation:** "A lick and a promise" implies a rushed or superficial task, often indicating a promise to complete it better or more thoroughly later.
### What does 'hit the high spots' mean?
- [ ] Thorough analysis of minutiae
- [ ] Total and complete work
- [x] To give a superficial summary or account
- [ ] Delve deeply into detail
> **Explanation:** "Hit the high spots" means to give a loose or rough summary, touching only on the most noticeable aspects superficially.
### True or False: 'Doing a slapdash job' means improving a task slowly and carefully.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** "Doing a slapdash job" means performing a task hurriedly with little attention to detail, the opposite of meticulous or careful work.
