whip into shape
Related to whip into shape: whip off, whip round, whip out, have the whip hand
whip (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 The president won the election on his promise to whip the economy into shape by overhauling outdated or inefficient legislation. What he really needs is a mentor who will whip him into shape.
See also: shape, whip
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
whip someone or something into shape
to cause someone or something to be in a better condition. The coach was not able to whip the players into shape before the game. I think I can whip this proposal into shape quickly. Hey, Tom, whip yourself into shape. You look a mess.
See also: shape, whip
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
whip into shape
Informal To bring to a specified state or condition, vigorously and often forcefully.
See also: shape, whip
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- 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
- lick something into shape
- whip (someone or something) into shape
- whip something into shape