lick something into shape
lick (someone or something) into shape
To return someone or something into acceptable condition or behavior, especially through direct, efficient, and practical means. The president won the election on his promise to lick the economy into shape by overhauling outdated or inefficient legislation. What he really needs is a mentor who will lick him into shape.
See also: lick, shape
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
get/knock/lick somebody/something into ˈshape
make somebody/something more acceptable or organized; improve somebody/something: Do you think you can lick this company into shape?See also: get, knock, lick, shape, somebody, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
lick something into shape
and whip something into shape tv. to put something into good condition, possibly with considerable effort. I’ve got about two days more to lick this place into shape so I can sell it. Whip this manuscript into shape, then we’ll talk about publishing it.
See also: lick, shape, something
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- get (someone or something) into shape
- get into shape
- get/knock/lick somebody/something into shape
- knock (someone or something) into shape
- knock something/someone into shape
- lick (someone or something) into shape
- lick someone or something into shape
- whip (someone or something) into shape
- whip into shape
- whip something into shape