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

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

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

From The Dark Tower by J. H. Gardner Soper

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

From The Haute Noblesse A Novel by George Manville Fenn

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

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

"A rare lump to lick into shape, upon my word."

From The Strange Adventures of Captain Dangerous, Vol. 1 Who was a sailor, a soldier, a merchant, a spy, a slave among the moors... by George Augustus Sala

Related Words

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