1
general::
Phrase(s): take shape
[for something, such as plans, writing, ideas, arguments, etc.] to begin to be organized and specific. • My plans are beginning to take shape. • As my manuscript took shape, I started showing it to publishers.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Also, shape up. Turn out, develop, acquire a distinctive form, as in Her reelection campaign is already taking shape, two years before the election, or Can you tell us how the book is shaping up? The first term dates from the mid-1700s and the variant, originally put as shape out, from about 1600.
American Heritage Idioms