The following idiom is followed by four meaning. Choose the one which best…
2017
The following idiom is followed by four meaning. Choose the one which best expresses its meaning.
A lick and a promise
- A.
to do something quickly and carelessly
- B.
to do something neatly and on time
- C.
to do something quickly and carefully
- D.
to enjoy something wholeheartedly
Attempted by 40 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Answer: to do something quickly and carelessly.
Meaning: To complete a task hastily and superficially rather than doing it thoroughly and carefully.
Example: He gave the report a lick and a promise, so it contained many mistakes.
Usage tip: The phrase is usually critical — it comments on the poor quality that results from rushing.
Why the other choices are incorrect:
The phrase "to do something neatly and on time" implies careful, punctual work, which is the opposite of the idiom.
The phrase "to do something quickly and carefully" contradicts the idiom because the idiom conveys carelessness rather than carefulness.
The phrase "to enjoy something wholeheartedly" refers to enjoyment or enthusiasm, not the manner in which a task is performed, so it does not match the idiom.