lick your wounds

lick (one's) wounds

To withdraw after a misstep or defeat in order to recover. I think the senator will be licking his wounds for a while after that disastrous debate performance.
See also: lick, wound
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

lick your wounds

COMMON If someone licks their wounds, they feel embarrassed and disappointed, especially after being defeated very easily. England's cricketers are licking their wounds after being soundly defeated in the second Test against Australia at Melbourne. Note: Some animals, such as dogs and cats, lick their wounds when they are injured.
See also: lick, wound
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

lick your wounds

retire to recover your strength or confidence after a defeat or humiliating experience.
See also: lick, wound
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

lick your ˈwounds

spend time trying to get your strength and confidence back after a defeat or disappointment: ‘He heard this morning that he hasn’t got the job.’ ‘Where is he?’ ‘Licking his wounds somewhere, probably.’
See also: lick, wound
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • lick (one's) wounds
  • lick one's wounds
  • lick wounds
  • get a licking
  • sooner
  • a good name is sooner lost than won
  • make a false step
  • false step
  • lick (something) up
  • lick up
References in periodicals archive
It's not a lot of time to lick your wounds and the less time you spend doing that the better it is."
Kiwis preparing to bounce back; SPORT SHORTS rugby league
If ever there was a time to go home, lick your wounds and keep your head down it was last Sunday.
Ally's karaoke calamity