He likes to throw shapes when he gets angry at people.
throw shapes
idiomTo 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.
The man in the bar started throwing shapes, but everyone knew he was just acting tough.
Despite his intimidating posture and the way he threw shapes, his nervous eyes betrayed his lack of genuine confidence.
- 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
lock someone up and throw away the key
To lock someone up in prison indefinitely.
- 06
shape up
To improve; to correct one's bad habits or behavior.
- 07
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.
- 08
stone's throw
A short distance, roughly equivalent to how far a person can throw a stone.
Last updated April 17, 2026