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.
"Weird birds," soliloquized Mostyn; "but perhaps they'll lick into shape."
From The Wireless Officer by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)
"Isn't there any one else up here not going in for it that you could lick into shape?"
From The Dark Tower by Soper, J. H. Gardner
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; and, The Three Cutters, Vol. 1-2 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
A poor show," said he, "but they may lick into shape.
From The Great Shadow and Other Napoleonic Tales by Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.