1
general::
Phrase(s): shape someone up
to get someone into good physical shape; to make someone behave or perform better. • I’ve got to shape myself up to improve my health. • The trainer was told that he’d have to shape up the boxer before the fight., Phrase(s): shape up
1. to improve; to reform. • I want to get things shaped up around here. • I guess I’d better shape up if I want to stay in school. 2. to assume a final form or structure. • The game plan for the election was beginning to shape up. • Her objectives began to shape up in her senior year.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Turn out, develop; see TAKE SHAPE. 2. Improve so as to meet a standard, as in The coach told the team that they'd better shape up or they'd be at the bottom of the league. This usage was first recorded in 1938. 3. shape up or ship out Behave yourself or be forced to leave, as in The new supervisor told Tom he'd have to shape up or ship out. This expression originated in the 1940s, during World War II, as a threat that if one didn't behave in an appropriate military manner one would be sent overseas to a combat zone. After the war it was transferred to other situations calling for improved performance.
American Heritage Idioms