licking river: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal for 'defeat' meaning; neutral for core action.
Quick answer
What does “licking river” mean?
The action of passing the tongue over a surface.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action of passing the tongue over a surface.
1. A beating or defeat in a contest. 2. A thrashing or punishment. 3. A rapid, light motion (e.g., flames licking).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use core meaning equally. The informal 'defeat/thrashing' sense is slightly more common in AmE. 'Licking one's wounds' is universal.
Connotations
AmE slightly more likely to use 'take a licking' (endure a beating or hardship) in colloquial speech.
Frequency
Core meaning: common in both. Extended informal meaning: low-to-medium frequency, more idiomatic.
Grammar
How to Use “licking river” in a Sentence
[subject] give [object] a licking[subject] take a licking[subject] be licking [object] (wounds)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “licking river” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The dog was licking its paw.
- He's just licking the envelope shut.
American English
- The kid was licking the batter off the spoon.
- The flames were licking at the base of the tree.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'The company took a licking in the last quarter.'
Academic
Rare except in biological/behavioural contexts describing animal behaviour.
Everyday
Common for the action (licking an ice cream). Informal for defeat (sports, arguments).
Technical
Used in zoology, physiology, and certain manufacturing processes (e.g., envelope licking).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “licking river”
- Using 'licking' as a direct synonym for 'eating' (it's only the tongue action).
- Overusing the 'defeat' sense in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While the core meaning is, it is also a common informal idiom meaning a severe defeat or thrashing.
The core action can be neutral or positive (licking an ice cream). The idiomatic meaning (a beating/defeat) is always negative.
Licking is done with the tongue on surfaces or objects. Lapping typically refers to drinking liquid with the tongue (a cat lapping milk) or the sound of waves.
No. It can be used for objects ('This old clock has taken a licking but still works') or abstract entities like reputations or companies.
The action of passing the tongue over a surface.
Licking river is usually informal for 'defeat' meaning; neutral for core action. in register.
Licking river: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪkɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪkɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “licking one's wounds”
- “take a licking and keep on ticking”
- “give someone a good licking”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LICK of an ice cream or a flame. A LICKING is either lots of those licks, or what happens when you get 'licked' (beaten) in a game.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEFEAT IS BEING PHYSICALLY ASSAULTED (take a licking).
Practice
Quiz
In informal English, 'give someone a licking' usually means: