Question

Shape Up or Ship Out to correct your behavior, improve your performance, do your job satisfactorily, or get out

Accepted Answer

After he dropped his third tray of food, the owner told the new waiter that he'd better shape up or ship out. This sharp command was first uttered in the United States Armed Forces during World War II. It meant that a soldier, sailor, or marine had better conform to regulations and perform his tasks well ("shape up") or he would be sent overseas to a combat zone ("ship out"). After the war the expression was extended to include any area that demanded improved performance—or else!

Idiom	Shape Up or Ship Out
Example	After he dropped his third tray of food, the owner told the new waiter that he'd better shape up or ship out.
Meaning	to correct your behavior, improve your performance, do your job satisfactorily, or get out
Origin	This sharp command was first uttered in the United States Armed Forces during World War II. It meant that a soldier, sailor, or marine had better conform to regulations and perform his tasks well ("shape up") or he would be sent overseas to a combat zone ("ship out"). After the war the expression was extended to include any area that demanded improved performance—or else!

Shape Ship War Dropped Tray Food Owner Told