Definition & Meaning of "[lick] {one's} wounds"

What is the origin of the idiom "lick one's wounds" and when to use it?

The phrase "lick one's wounds" originates from the animal kingdom, specifically from the behavior of wounded animals. After a fight or attack, an injured animal may retreat to a safe place to lick its wounds, which helps to clean and soothe the wounds and promote healing. Over time, the phrase "lick one's wounds" came to be used metaphorically to describe the process of recovering from a setback or defeat. It implies that after a difficult or painful experience, a person may need time to retreat, reflect, and heal before returning to face the world.