what does "lick one's chops"mean? what does "chops"mean?
penetrating so many secrets, we cease to believe in the unknowable. But there it sits nevertheless, calmly licking its chops.—— H.L.Mencken

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Answer

It means it was eagerly waiting for something; anticipating; relishing the idea:

e.g. He was already licking his chops over the expected inheritance.

It comes from the idea of someone licking their lips (chops) when thinking of something good to eat.

http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/lick+chops

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