shape up
To improve; to correct one's bad habits or behavior.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“You need to shape up if you want to keep your job.”
“The coach told the team they must shape up their performance before the next big game.”
“Unless the department decides to shape up its inefficient internal processes, the company will likely face significant financial losses by the end of the fiscal year.”
- 01
bash into shape
Of an item, to fix or build it; often in a rough and ready fashion.
- 02
get bent out of shape
To take offense; to become angry, agitated, or upset.
- 03
in any way, shape, or form
In any way at all; whatsoever.
- 04
lick into shape
To exert considerable effort to change (someone or something) into a desired state.
- 05
shape up or ship out
To either improve one's behavior or else be required to leave; to either improve one's performance in an activity or else withdraw from that activity completely.
- 06
throw shapes
To act tough or put up a front. For example, to threaten a person by making "karate chops" at them, without actually doing harm or knowing karate.
- 07
whip into shape
To exert considerable effort to change something or someone into a desired state.
Last updated August 10, 2026