to pass the tongue over (something), esp in order to taste, moisten, or clean it
(usu + up) to take (food or drink) into the mouth with the tongue
said of light, flames, etc: to flicker or play over (a surface) like a tongue
informal
to strike (somebody) repeatedly
to get the better of (something); to overcome (a difficulty)
to defeat (somebody), esp decisively or thoroughly
We licked the opposition
to lap with or as if with the tongue
to dart like a tongue
flames licking at the windows
informal to defeat (somebody), esp decisively or thoroughly
to put (something or somebody) into proper form or condition
Mr Turner reckoned that it took him a term to lick boys into shape — Somerset Maugham
to recover after defeat or humiliation
informal to behave sycophantically towards somebody, esp with a view to getting a favour from them