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 by Marryat, Frederick

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

"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 Sala, George Augustus

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

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

Related Words

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