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

See Examples For:

lick into shape

To turn to other matters, I have a couple of half finished O'Ds. which, if you like to print, I shall have time to lick into shape.

From Charles Lever, His Life in His Letters, Vol. II by Edmund Downey

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 Frederick Marryat

A poor show," said he, "but they may lick into shape.

From The Great Shadow and Other Napoleonic Tales by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

“Rather an awkward cub to lick into shape, my nephew, eh?”

From The Haute Noblesse A Novel by George Manville Fenn

Of the new-comers he has got to lick into shape, Howard is the most promising candidate.

From Harper's Round Table, October 1, 1895 by Various

Related Words

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