If small Johnny has taken the facecloth and lightly washed his mouth and cheeks, he has given himself a lick and a promise, about what the cat could do in one hasty swab of the tongue and a promise of a complete job in the dim future.
We say that one who has worked half heartedly or in a slovenly manner has given the work a lick and a promise.
The homely saying is common in both England and America; it is undoubtedly several centuries old, but examples of literary use are not recorded.
