by KylieB2012 November 12, 2010
an attempt at resolving/achieving something with less effort than is required for success with a high probability of the attempt proving futile and unpleasant
By attempting to throw the game disc into the console from the couch rather than standing up and putting it in, the lazy high-schooler was licking a tree and hoping for maple syrup.
by NotAnEnglishMajor (or student) August 27, 2020
Idiom; to attempt an ill-advised, mildly unpleasant shortcut to avoid a more complicated process, with a high probability of failure. The idiom itself is an example of such an experience, since licking trees is unpleasant, and even maple trees rarely taste sweet just by licking the bark. The idiom also implies that tried and true methods, rather than blind experimentation, yield better results. Drilling into the trunk of a maple tree with a tap, is the correct way to obtain maple syrup.
"Kicking the car to try and make it start again won't work. That's just licking a tree and hoping for maple syrup, honestly. Let's call a tow truck instead."
by missroxyspamcake August 27, 2020
Licking a tree and expecting syrup is a saying that means putting in a very little amount of work and effort but expecting the fruit of your labour to be much greater than.
"I listened to my girlfriend talk about her day, so now she'll have to let me do anal."
"You are licking a tree and expecting syrup, man."
"You are licking a tree and expecting syrup, man."
by penisshakes March 30, 2021