"Last licks" is a phrase often used in baseball to refer to the final opportunity a team has to score in a game. The phonetic transcription for this word is /læst lɪks/. The "a" in "last" is pronounced with a short "a" sound, while the "i" in "licks" is pronounced with a short "i" sound. The "ks" at the end of "licks" is pronounced with an audible "k" sound, which gives the word a sharp and decisive ending. Overall, the spelling of "last licks" reflects its precise and determined meaning in baseball.
"Last licks" is an idiomatic phrase commonly used in American English to refer to taking a final turn or opportunity, often with the intention of gaining an advantage or making a lasting impression. The term originates from the game of baseball and specifically refers to the last opportunity for a team to score runs in the final inning. It is derived from the act of licking a spoon or plate to consume the very last bit of food, symbolizing the idea of leaving no opportunity unused.
Outside of the context of baseball, "last licks" can be used to express the idea of having a final chance to accomplish or achieve something, especially when facing a deadline or limited time constraint. This term can be applied to various scenarios, such as a negotiation where one party has the last chance to state their position, a performer having the final act in a show to captivate the audience, or even an individual getting the final moment to address a group before they disperse.
Overall, "last licks" embodies the concept of seizing the last available opportunity or making the most of a closing chance to leave a final impression. It conveys a sense of urgency and importance, acknowledging that it may be the final opportunity to make an impact or achieve a desired outcome.
The etymology of the phrase "last licks" is rooted in the game of baseball. "Licks" here refers to the act of hitting a ball, specifically with a bat. When a team is at bat, each player has a turn to "lick" or strike the ball. The word "last" in "last licks" signifies the final opportunity or turn to hit in a game, usually referring to the last inning or end of a game when the team has a chance to make a comeback or score additional runs. It is believed to have originated in the early 20th century within baseball jargon and later extended to other contexts outside of sports to denote a final attempt or opportunity to achieve something.