# whip into shape

idiom

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

## Meaning

To exert considerable effort to change something or someone into a desired state.

## Examples

- I need to whip my garden into shape this weekend.
- The new manager worked hard to whip the disorganized sales team into shape before the busy season started.
- After years of neglect, the new owners spent months trying to whip the crumbling historic estate back into shape.

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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.