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.
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
"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
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 Downey, Edmund
Mr. Rae, the cool, dignified, methodical, exact man of the law, struggling to lick into shape this haughty Highland chieftain, who in his heart scorned the whole silly business.
From Corporal Cameron of the North West Mounted Police; a tale of the Macleod trail by Connor, Ralph
A poor show," said he, "but they may lick into shape.
From The Great Shadow and Other Napoleonic Tales by Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir
