to lick into shape
1lick into shape — phrasal : to give proper form to : train or drill into orderly form a civilian can be licked into shape as a soldier by the manual of arms Dixon Wecter * * * lick into shape To mould into satisfactory form, from the notion that the she bear gives …
2To lick into shape — Lick Lick (l[i^]k), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Licked} (l[i^]kt); p. pr. & vb. n. {Licking}.] [AS. liccian; akin to OS. likk[=o]n, D. likken, OHG. lecch[=o]n, G. lecken, Goth. bi laig[=o]n, Russ. lizate, L. lingere, Gr. lei chein, Skr. lih, rih.… …
3lick into shape — ► lick (or knock) into shape act forcefully to bring into a better state. Main Entry: ↑shape …
4lick into shape — knock/lick (something/someone) into shape to improve the condition of something or the condition or behaviour of someone. The prime minister s main aim is to knock the economy into shape. Little Sean is a bit wild but the teachers ll soon lick… …
5lick into shape — If you make an effort to put someone or something into satisfactory condition or appearance, you lick them into shape. I ve got to lick this place into shape before my in laws arrive …
6lick into shape — {v. phr.} To make perfect; drill; train. * /The sergeant licked the new volunteer army into shape in three months./ …
7lick into shape — {v. phr.} To make perfect; drill; train. * /The sergeant licked the new volunteer army into shape in three months./ …
8lick\ into\ shape — v. phr. To make perfect; drill; train. The sergeant licked the new volunteer army into shape in three months …
9lick into shape — make fit, make into proper form; shape, mold, form …
10lick into shape — phrasal to put into proper form or condition …
