pick

lick into shape

lick into shape {v. phr.}

To make perfect; drill; train.

The sergeant licked the new volunteer army into shape in three months.

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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take shape

[take shape] {v. phr.} To grow or develop into a certain fixed form. * /Plans for our vacation are beginning to take shape./ * /Their new home took shape as […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

in shape

[in shape] or [in condition] {adj. phr.} In good condition; able to perform well. * /The football team will he in shape for the first game of the season./ * […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

out of shape

[out of shape] or [out of condition] {adj. phr.} 1. Not in good condition; not able to perform well. * /Father was out of shape when he took a long […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

shape up

[shape up] {v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To begin to act or work right; get along satisfactorily. * /If the new boy doesn't begin to shape up soon, he'll have to […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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