shape (redirected from shaped up)

*in good shape and *in good condition physically and functionally sound and sturdy. (Used for both people and things. *Typically: be ~; get ~; keep ~.)

This car isn't in good shape. I'd like to have one that's in better condition. Mary is in good condition. She exercises and eats right to stay healthy. You have to make an effort to get into good shape.

See also: good

bend someone out of shape

Fig. to make someone angry. The cheating that was going on really bent Joe out of shape. Why do you let yourself get bent out of shape? Chill, man, chill.

See also: bend, out

bend something out of shape

to distort something by twisting or bending. Jill bent the spring out of shape. I bent the coat hanger out of shape by hanging my leather jacket on it.

See also: bend, out

bent out of shape 

1. Fig. angry; insulted. Man, there is no reason to get so bent out of shape. I didn't mean any harm. I got bent out of shape because of the way I was treated.

2. intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. I was so bent out of shape I thought I'd never recover. I've been polluted, but never as bent out of shape as this.

See also: bent, out

flex something out of shape

to bend something out of its normal shape. Don't flex all the hangers out of shape. We need a few in the closet. Who flexed the gate out of shape?

See also: flex, out

flexed out of shape

Sl. very angry; bent out of shape. The boss was completely flexed out of shape. I am truly flexed out of shape.

See also: flex, out

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, form

in bad shape and in a bad way 

1. Lit. injured or debilitated in any manner. Fred had a little accident, and he's in bad shape. Tom needs exercise. He's in bad shape.

2. pregnant. Jill's in bad shape again, I hear. Yup, she's in bad shape all right—about three months in bad shape.

3. Fig. Inf. intoxicated. Two glasses of that stuff and I'm in really bad shape. Fred is in bad shape. I think he's going to toss his cookies.

See also: bad

in condition and in(to) shape

in good health; strong and healthy; fit. Bob exercises frequently, so he's in condition. If I were in shape, Icould run faster and farther. I'm really overweight. I have to try to get into shape.

See also: condition

lick someone or something into shape

to press or force someone or something into good shape or condition. The drama coach will try to lick her into shape by performance time. Please try to lick this report into shape by tomorrow morning.

See also: lick

lick something into shape and whip something into shape

Fig. to put something into good condition, possibly with considerable effort. I've got about two days more to lick this place into shape so I can sell it. I want to whip this house into shape for Saturday night.

See also: lick

out of shape and out of condition

not in good physical condition. I get out of breath when I run because I'm out of shape. Keep exercising regularly, or you'll get out of condition.

See also: out

shape someone up

to get someone into good physical shape; to make someone behave or perform better. I've got to shape myself up to improve my health. The trainer was told that he'd have to shape up the boxer before the fight.

See also: up

shape up 

1. to improve; to reform. I want to get things shaped up around here. I guess I'd better shape up if I want to stay in school.

2. to assume a final form or structure. The game plan for the election was beginning to shape up. Her objectives began to shape up in her senior year.

See also: up

Shape up or ship out.

Fig. Either improve one's performance (or behavior) or leave. (Used as a command.) Okay, Tom. That's the end. Shape up or ship out! John was late again, so I told him to shape up or ship out.

See also: out, ship, up

take shape

[for something, such as plans, writing, ideas, arguments, etc.] to begin to be organized and specific. My plans are beginning to take shape. As my manuscript took shape, I started showing it to publishers.

See also: take

whip someone or something into shape

to cause someone or something to be in a better condition. The coach was not able to whip the players into shape before the game. I think I can whip this proposal into shape quickly. Hey, Tom, whip yourself into shape. You look a mess.

See also: whip

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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, form

all shapes and sizes

many different types of people or things Mortgage deals come in all shapes and sizes these days.

See also: and, size

get bent out of shape  (American informal)

to become very angry or upset It's ok, don't worry about returning the books. I don't get bent out of shape about things like that.

See also: bent, get, out

go pear-shaped  (British & Australian informal)

if a plan goes pear-shaped, it fails We'd arranged to be in France that weekend but it all went pear-shaped.

in any shape or form

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

See also: any, form

knock/lick/whipsomething/somebody 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 him into shape when he starts school.

See also: knock

Shape up or ship out.  (informal)

something that you say in order to tell someone that if their behaviour does not improve, they will have to leave This is the third serious mistake you've made this month. It's not good enough - you're going to have to shape up or ship out.

See also: out, ship, up

the shape of things to come

if something is the shape of things to come, it is a sign of what is likely to become popular in the future Is shopping on the Internet the shape of things to come?

See get bent out of shape

See also: come, thing

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all shapes and sizes

a large variety Digital marketing includes banner ads of all shapes and sizes and e-mail, among other options.

Usage notes: often used in the form come in all shapes and sizes (exist in a large variety of types): Investors come in all shapes and sizes.

See also: and, size

bent out of shape

very angry or upset My boss ignored my comments, but I don't feel that it's worth getting all bent out of shape over it.

See also: bent, out

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, form

shape up

1. to develop The state of the economy is shaping up as a major political issue. Everyone's waiting to see how the new football season will shape up in September.

2. to improve your behavior or performance He promised me he was going to shape up and stay out of trouble.

3. to get into better physical condition The astronauts shape up before a mission by working with small weights and doing exercises.

See also: up

whip somebody/something into shape

to quickly improve someone or something The district brought in a new principal to whip the school into shape. His crew includes a bunch of misfits whom he whips into shape in time to win the contest. These three new programs will help you whip your hard disk into shape.

Usage notes: usually said about improvements that happen because of hard work

See also: whip