lick wounds

lick one's wounds

Fig. to recover from a defeat or a rebuke. (Also literal for an animal.) After the terrible meeting and all the criticism, I went back to my office to lick my wounds.

See also: lick, wound

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lick your wounds

to feel unhappy after a defeat or an unpleasant experience

Usage notes: When dogs and other animals are injured, they lick their wounds (= injuries) in order to help them get better.

After retiring to lick its wounds, the party is regaining its confidence.

See kiss arse, knock into shape

See also: lick, wound

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lick your wounds

to avoid or ignore other people after an unpleasant experience Mary's film career was a failure, and she went home to lick her wounds in private.

Etymology: based on the idea of an injured animal that licks its wounds (cleans an injury with its tongue)

See also: lick, wound