# shape up

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/shape-up
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To improve; to correct one's bad habits or behavior.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.