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

From The Rules of the Game by White, Stewart Edward

But we may say that the main thing needed is to "lick into shape" the material, and then pass it on to the sub-conscious mind in the manner spoken of a few moments ago.

From A Series of Lessons in Raja Yoga by Atkinson, William Walker

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

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

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