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promise

1 promise /ˈprɑːməs/ noun
plural promises
1 promise
/ˈprɑːməs/
noun
plural promises
Britannica Dictionary definition of PROMISE
[count] : a statement telling someone that you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen in the future
[noncount] : an indication of future success or improvement
: a reason to expect that something will happen in the future + of
[noncount]
[singular]

a lick and a promise

see 2lick
2 promise /ˈprɑːməs/ verb
promises; promised; promising
2 promise
/ˈprɑːməs/
verb
promises; promised; promising
Britannica Dictionary definition of PROMISE
: to tell someone that you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen in the future
[+ object]
[no object]
[+ object] somewhat formal : to make (something) seem likely : to show signs of (something that is likely or expected to happen)
◊ Something that promises to be good, exciting, etc., is expected to be good, exciting, etc.

I (can) promise you

used to emphasize a statement

promise (someone) the stars/moon/earth/world

: to promise (someone) that you will do or give something great or wonderful even though it is not possible