shape (redirected from whips into shape)

all shapes and sizes

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

See also: all, size

(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, form

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

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 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 him into shape when he starts school.

See also: knock, lick

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 also: come, thing

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: ship

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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: all, 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

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.

whip someone/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