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

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

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

"Weird birds," soliloquized Mostyn; "but perhaps they'll lick into shape."

From The Wireless Officer by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)

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

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

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