lick one's chops

[b.a.d.]

Hi! What prepositions can be used with this idiom? Can I say,

Damn! I'm just licking my chops at the upcoming show!

?
Thanks

[Charlie Bernstein]

That's not bad. I might say about or over. At makes it sound a little like you're there - at the show. But since you're not at the show when you say at, I think your meaning is clear and conversationally correct.

[b.a.d.]

Thank you a lot!

[b.a.d.]

And can it be used as "to crave smb./smth. with passion, to dream about etc" ? For example,

Tony is licking his chops at Lynn, but he's much too shy to ask her for a date.

?

[Charlie Bernstein]

And can it be used as "to crave smb./smth. with passion, to dream about etc" ? For example,

Tony is licking his chops at Lynn, but he's much too shy to ask her for a date.

?

Doesn't work. Wolves lick their chops, and wolves aren't shy.

[b.a.d.]

Thanks!

[Fleet Chrost]

And can it be used as "to crave smb./smth. with passion, to dream about etc" ? For example,

Tony is licking his chops at Lynn, but he's much too shy to ask her for a date.

Doesn't work. Wolves lick their chops, and wolves aren't shy.

OK, I agree that the metaphor of licking ones chops may not always be appropriate to describe a timid person. However in response to the original poster's question: yes, you can use "licking ones chops" to mean "craving with a passion". There is no reason a timid person can't crave something with a passion and hence be "licking his chops" in secret.

Consider using "over" as the preposition as Charlie suggests: "Tony is licking his chops over Lynn, but he hasn't asked for a date." If you use "at" as the preposition here ("Tony is licking his chops at Lynn") it may suggest that he is physically looking at her in a way which conveys or exaggerates his lust (perhaps even literally licking his lips).

This is an awkward construction to attach a preposition to. You may be better off saying "Tony is licking his chops thinking about Lynn" .

[b.a.d.]

Thanks a lot for the great help! )))

[b.a.d.]

And can it be used as "to crave smb./smth. with passion, to dream about etc" ? For example,

Tony is licking his chops at Lynn, but he's much too shy to ask her for a date.

?

I've finally found the right word. That's should be "drool over".