promise (redirected from promises the earth)

give something a lick and a promise

1. to clean something quickly and not carefully. I put on my new suit, gave my shoes a lick and a promise, and left the house.

2. to do a job or piece of work quickly and not carefully. We didn't have time to do much clearing up in the yard - just gave the grass a lick and a promise.

See also: give, lick

promise (someone) the moon (British, American & Australian, British & Australian)

to promise something impossible. He had promised her the earth but five years later they were still living in the same small house.

See also: moon

the promised land

a place that offers a lot of good opportunities. America was the promised land for many immigrant families.

See also: land

Promises, promises! (informal)

something that you say when someone says they will do something and you do not believe them. 'Honestly, I will call you back this time.' 'Promises, promises!'

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hold promise

to be likely to succeed. The new drug holds promise for helping to control addiction.

See also: hold

promises, promises

you will probably not do what you say you will do. “When I get my check I'll buy you a new coat.” “Promises, promises!”