it's licked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it's licked" is correct and usable in written English, though its meaning may depend on context.
You can use it in informal contexts to indicate that something has been completed or finished, often in a playful or lighthearted manner. Example: "After hours of hard work, the project is finally done; it's licked!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

These zombie-like, sometimes lethal creatures can reproduce clonally and "de-grow" in bad times; one species, if shredded, can even re-form and regrow - it's licked the "eternal youth" challenge.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"People who don't engage in it think it's licking stamps," she said.

The New York Times

In the premiere, for instance, Kelly hears the thoughts not only of her companions, but also of a rather raunchy dog as it's licking her face.

The New York Times - Arts

It's licking and gyrating.

Vice

Ciara noted the different pauses in cuts in between the tapings, commenting "so it's licking on the neck, again, then his biting on my neck, again.

Wikipedia

Whether it's licking the door of our refrigerator (creating a "fun" texture on the stainless steel), or kissing our countertops, she always seems to be kissing or licking something, Because of this, my wife and I clean our home daily.

Huffington Post

The computer commander knew it was licked.

The New York Times - Tech

When the last of it was licked clean, I mentioned dessert.

The New York Times

Males never withdrew their penis when it was licked by the mating partner.

Plosone

It is licking its wounds after two bad wars.

The New York Times

Argentina restored full diplomatic relations with Cuba, two and half years after pulling out its ambassador after Cuban criticism that it was "licking the boots" of the United States.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's licked" sparingly and in informal contexts to add a playful or slightly old-fashioned tone. Ensure the audience understands the intended meaning, as it may not be universally recognized.

Common error

Avoid using "it's licked" in formal or professional settings where clarity and directness are paramount. Opt for alternatives like "it's completed" or "it's finished" to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's licked" functions as a statement indicating completion or resolution. It uses the past participle of 'lick' metaphorically to suggest something has been thoroughly dealt with. As Ludwig AI points out, it suggests that "it's licked" the challenge.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it's licked" is an informal expression used to indicate that something is finished, completed, or defeated. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness but notes its rarity. It is most commonly found in News & Media contexts and is best suited for informal settings. When writing, be mindful of the audience and context to ensure the phrase's intended meaning is clear, as it may not be universally understood. For formal communications, consider more common alternatives like "it's done" or "it's finished".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's done

Replaces "licked" with a more common synonym for completion.

it's finished

Similar to "it's done" but offers a slightly more formal tone.

it's over

Implies completion but can also suggest the end of a negative experience.

it's defeated

Specifically indicates a state of being overcome or conquered.

it's conquered

Emphasizes a victory or overcoming of a challenge.

it's a lost cause

Indicates a situation where success is no longer possible.

it's hopeless

Expresses a lack of hope or optimism about a situation.

it's a wrap

Informal term signifying the end of a task or project.

it's toast

Slang term suggesting something is in a ruined or failed state.

it's curtains

Figurative expression denoting the end or failure of something.

FAQs

How can "it's licked" be used in a sentence?

You can use "it's licked" to indicate something is finished or defeated, such as, "After hours of hard work, the project is finally done; "it's licked"!"

What are some alternatives to "it's licked"?

You can use alternatives like "it's done", "it's finished", or "it's over", depending on the context.

Is "it's licked" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it's licked" is grammatically correct, although it is an informal expression. The verb 'to lick' is used metaphorically in this context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it's licked"?

The phrase "it's licked" is best used in informal settings or casual conversations. It can add a touch of humor, but avoid using it in formal writing or professional situations where clarity is essential.