verb
lick
To defeat an opponent or overcome a difficulty.
She licks every opponent who challenges her to a race.
Etymology
Lick developed a colloquial sense of beating, then of defeating an opponent. The same usage extends to successfully overcoming a difficult problem.
More examples
- We finally licked the problem with the leaking roof.
- He hopes to lick his fear of public speaking.
- They are confident about licking the competition this year.
Forms
lick · licks · licked · licking
licking noun — A decisive defeat in a contest.