lick into shape
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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 Marryat, Frederick
Of the new-comers he has got to lick into shape, Howard is the most promising candidate.
From Harper's Round Table, October 1, 1895 by Various
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 Atkinson, William Walker
"A rare lump to lick into shape, upon my word."
From The Strange Adventures of Captain Dangerous, Vol. 1 Who was a sailor, a soldier, a merchant, a spy, a slave among the moors... by Sala, George Augustus
Here was a squad to lick into shape, to fashion into a team.
From The Rules of the Game by White, Stewart Edward