get a licking

get a licking

1. To suffer a beating. You're going to get a licking from Dad if you keep sneaking out at night. Todd got a licking from the captain of the football team after flirting with his girlfriend again.
2. To suffer setbacks, losses, or failures. My portfolio sure got a licking when the stock market crashed. I suspect they're going to get a licking if they try to open a business in this recession.
See also: get, licking
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • lick (one's) wounds
  • lick one's wounds
  • lick wounds
  • lick your wounds
  • lick up
  • lick (something) up
  • lap up
  • lick (one's) lips
  • lick lips
  • lick your lips