Dictionary Thesaurus Word Dynamo Quotes Reference Translator Spanish

lick into shape

Slang Dictionary

lick (sth) into shape definition

and whip (sth) 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.

Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition.
Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
Cite This Source

American Heritage

Idioms & Phrases

lick into shape

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.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
Cite This Source

Word Dynamo By Dictionary.com

Searching for lick into shape? How many words do you actually know?

FIND OUT

Use Dictionary.com faster without ads >>

Partners:Word Bloglines Citysearch The Daily Beast Ask Answers Ask Kids Life123 Sendori Thesaurus

About Privacy Policy Terms of Use API Careers Advertise with Us Contact Us Help