Question

in_the_loop_774 to mold or assemble something into its proper shape quickly This expression comes from the very old belief that bear cubs were born misshapen and had to literally be licked into shape by their mothers and fathers. By the late 1600s, this phrase was being used with the figurative meaning it has now.

Accepted Answer

WHIP/LICK (SOMEONE/SOMETHING) INTO SHAPE The football coach told the players that they had been lazy all summer but that he was going to lick them into shape before the first game of the season.We don’t have much time left, and this report is due tomorrow. Do you think we have enough time to whip it into shape?

Id	in_the_loop_774
Idiom	WHIP/LICK (SOMEONE/SOMETHING) INTO SHAPE
Definition	to mold or assemble something into its proper shape quickly
Examples	The football coach told the players that they had been lazy all summer but that he was going to lick them into shape before the first game of the season. We don’t have much time left, and this report is due tomorrow. Do you think we have enough time to whip it into shape?
Extra Info	This expression comes from the very old belief that bear cubs were born misshapen and had to literally be licked into shape by their mothers and fathers. By the late 1600s, this phrase was being used with the figurative meaning it has now.

Shape Time In The Loop 774 Whip/Lick Someone/Something Mold Assemble Proper