knock something/someone into shape
knock (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 The president won the election on his promise to knock the economy into shape by overhauling outdated or inefficient legislation. What he really needs is a mentor who will knock him into shape.
See also: knock, shape
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
knock something/someone into shape
orwhip something/someone into shape
COMMON If you knock something or someone into shape or whip them into shape, you improve them. After a successful career at the Italian central bank, few people doubt his ability to whip the economy into shape. Now his players will spend their time being knocked into shape for the new season. Note: In British English, you can also lick something or someone into shape. We were licked into shape by the long-serving departmental managers to whom we reported. Note: The variation `lick someone into shape' relates to an ancient belief that bear cubs were born as shapeless lumps. It was thought that their mothers then licked them until they developed their proper form.
See also: knock, shape, someone, something
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
- get (someone or something) into shape
- get into shape
- get/knock/lick somebody/something into shape
- knock (someone or something) into shape
- lick (someone or something) into shape
- lick someone or something into shape
- lick something into shape
- whip (someone or something) into shape
- whip into shape
- whip something into shape