Lick your wounds Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To spend time recovering after a disappointment, defeat, or failure, often in private. The phrase comes from how animals clean their wounds to heal.
Usage & Nuances
This is an idiom, not literal—used for emotional or mental healing after setbacks. Common after a loss in sports, a breakup, or failure at work. It's usually semi-formal or neutral, not slang.
Example Sentences
After the game, the team needed time to lick their wounds.
basic
She went home to lick her wounds after failing the exam.
basic
Sometimes you just need to lick your wounds and try again.
basic
He lost the promotion, so he's taking some time to lick his wounds before looking for new opportunities.
natural
Don’t worry if you need a few days to lick your wounds—everyone needs to recharge sometimes.
natural
After the breakup, he disappeared for a week to lick his wounds.
natural