form

(in) any way, shape, or form

in any way at all. I have never been involved in any way, shape, or form with criminal activities. (often negative)

See also: any

in any shape or form

of any type. I'm opposed to war in any shape or form.

See also: any, shape

Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.

something that you say which means that using sarcasm (= saying the opposite of what you mean to make a joke) is unpleasant and is not a very clever thing to do. 'We're so grateful to you for arriving only 20 minutes late!' 'Oh really, Matthew, don't you know sarcasm is the lowest form of wit?'

See also: low, wit

true to form/type

if someone does something true to form, they behave in the bad way that you would expect them to. True to form, she turned up an hour later than we'd arranged.

See also: true, type

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in any way, shape, or form

in any possible manner or under any conditions. Neither Bill nor Ann is prepared for this in any way, shape, or form.

Usage notes: often used in the form not in any way, shape, or form: The new principal said that she would not in any way, shape, or form tell teachers how to teach their subjects.

See also: any

true to form

as can be expected. True to form, he tried to get out of helping wash the dishes.

See also: true