# shape up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shape-up
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

You use this to tell someone they need to improve their behavior or work harder. It usually happens after a warning that their current effort is not good enough.

For teachers: To improve one's performance or behavior to meet a required standard. This phrasal verb is intransitive and often carries a disciplinary or cautionary tone.

## Examples

- You need to shape up if you want to stay on the team.
- The boss told the new employees they would have to shape up quickly if they wanted to pass their three-month probation period.
- Faced with the threat of immediate dismissal, the employee was forced to shape up and demonstrate a renewed commitment to the company's core values.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The coach told him to shape up his game." but "The coach told him to shape up." — When meaning to improve behavior or performance, 'shape up' is intransitive and does not take an object.

## Usage notes

- This phrase is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object.
- Teaching tip: Use the idiom 'shape up or ship out' to help students remember the meaning of improving behavior to avoid being forced to leave.

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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.