lick into shape

But we may say that the main thing needed is to "lick into shape" the material, and then pass it on to the sub-conscious mind in the manner spoken of a few moments ago.

From A Series of Lessons in Raja Yoga by William Walker Atkinson

"Weird birds," soliloquized Mostyn; "but perhaps they'll lick into shape."

From The Wireless Officer by Percy F. (Percy Francis) Westerman

"Isn't there any one else up here not going in for it that you could lick into shape?"

From The Dark Tower by J. H. Gardner Soper

Here’s another of the fools of a family made a present of to the country—another cub for me to lick into shape.

From Peter Simple by Frederick Marryat

To turn to other matters, I have a couple of half finished O'Ds. which, if you like to print, I shall have time to lick into shape.

From Charles Lever, His Life in His Letters, Vol. II by Edmund Downey