Get/knock/lick somebody into shape
verb phrase
To make someone improve their behavior or performance, to help someone improve physically or mentally.
The new coach is determined to get the team into shape for the finals.
Often appears as...
- get himself into shape
- knock the team into shape
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To force someone or something into a condition or state of efficiency.
After a break, it was hard task for the instructor to knock him into shape.
Often appears as...
- knock the system into shape
- knock the plan into shape
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To make someone improve their behavior or performance, to help someone improve physically or mentally.
The new coach is determined to get the team into shape for the finals.
Often appears as...
- get himself into shape
- knock the team into shape
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To force someone or something into a condition or state of efficiency.
After a break, it was hard task for the instructor to knock him into shape.
Often appears as...
- knock the system into shape
- knock the plan into shape
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Behavior Change
Often used when someone must adjust their attitude or action to succeed.
The new manager had to get the staff into shape to meet the sales targets.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's not about physical shape, but improving qualities or habits.
You need to get your study habits into shape to pass the exam.
Pro Tip 3/3Motivational Speech
Conveys a sense of urgency or a need for immediate improvement.
I need to get my finances into shape before the new year begins.
Pro Tip 1/3Behavior Change
Often used when someone must adjust their attitude or action to succeed.
The new manager had to get the staff into shape to meet the sales targets.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's not about physical shape, but improving qualities or habits.
You need to get your study habits into shape to pass the exam.
Pro Tip 3/3Motivational Speech
Conveys a sense of urgency or a need for immediate improvement.
I need to get my finances into shape before the new year begins.
Pro Tip 1/3Behavior Change
Often used when someone must adjust their attitude or action to succeed.
The new manager had to get the staff into shape to meet the sales targets.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's not about physical shape, but improving qualities or habits.
You need to get your study habits into shape to pass the exam.
Pro Tip 3/3Motivational Speech
Conveys a sense of urgency or a need for immediate improvement.
I need to get my finances into shape before the new year begins.
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