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

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

Rickman the poet, of course, you could not lick into shape.

From The Divine Fire by Sinclair, May

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 Downey, Edmund

"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

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

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