lick into shape

Idioms  

1. Also, whip into shape. Bring into satisfactory condition or appearance, as in The garden looks neglected, but Dad will soon lick it into shape, or We need at least three more practices before the team is whipped into shape. The expression using lick, which some think alludes to how bears treat their cubs, dates from about 1600. The variant alludes to the forceful use of a whip to accomplish something.

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Example Sentences

"Isn't there any one else up here not going in for it that you could lick into shape?"

From The Dark Tower by Soper, J. H. Gardner

Here’s another of the fools of a family made a present of to the country—another cub for me to lick into shape.

From Peter Simple by Marryat, Frederick

Here's another of the fools of a family made a present of to the country—another cub for me to lick into shape.

From Peter Simple; and, The Three Cutters, Vol. 1-2 by Marryat, Frederick

Here was a squad to lick into shape, to fashion into a team.

From The Rules of the Game by White, Stewart Edward

Mr. Rae, the cool, dignified, methodical, exact man of the law, struggling to lick into shape this haughty Highland chieftain, who in his heart scorned the whole silly business.

From Corporal Cameron of the North West Mounted Police; a tale of the Macleod trail by Connor, Ralph

Related Words

• construct
• coordinate
• create
• establish
• form
• formulate
• regulate
• run
• set up