form (redirected from forming)

form (up) into something

[for a group of people] to assume the shape of something. The boys formed up into a jagged line. We'll form into a line.

form someone or something into something

to shape someone or something into something. We formed the people into a line. Kathy formed the clay into a small elephant.

form something out of something

to shape something from something. He formed a tiny elephant out of the clay. Wally formed a mound out of the sand.

See also: out

form an opinion

to think up or decide on an opinion. (Note the variations in the examples.) I don't know enough about the issue to form an opinion. Don't tell me how to think! I can form my own opinion. I don't form opinions without careful consideration.

See also: opinion

form and substance

structure and meaningful content. The first act of the play was one screaming match after another. It lacked form and substance throughout. Jane's report was good. The teacher commented on the excellent form and substance of the paper.

See also: and, substance

form from something

[for something] to develop from something; [for something] to assume a shape, using something else as raw material. Suddenly, an idea began to form from the things that you had said. It seemed that a figure was forming from the mists arising from the swamps.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Prov. Copying someone is flattering because it shows you want to be like that person. Child: Susie's doing everything I do. Make her stop. Mother: Don't be cross with her. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but I don't feel flattered when Mary copies my answers to the homework.

See also: flattery

in any way, shape, or form

Fig. in any manner. I refuse to tell a lie in any way, shape, or form!

See also: any

in rare form 

1. Fig. well prepared for a good performance; at one's best. The goalie is in rare form today; that's his third great save already. We are not exactly in rare form on Monday mornings.

2. Inf. intoxicated. Gert is in rare form, but she'll have time to sleep it off. When Harry was finally in rare form, he slid beneath the table.

See also: rare

in top form 

1. [of someone or some creature] in very good physical condition. The runners are in top form, so this should be a good race. I'm not in top form, but I'm not completely out of shape either.

2. able to make witty remarks and clever statements quickly and easily. That was really funny, Bob. You are in top form tonight. The president was in top form and entertained the audience with her speech.

See also: top

true to form

exactly as expected; following the usual pattern. (Often with running, as in the example.) As usual, John is late. At least he's running true to form. And true to form, Mary left before the meeting was adjourned.

See also: true

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(in) any way, shape, or form

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

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 show in true colours

See also: true

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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