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shape up
shape someone up
to get someone into good physical shape; to make someone behave or perform better. I've got to shape myself up to improve my health. The trainer was told that he'd have to shape up the boxer before the fight.
shape up
1. to improve; to reform. I want to get things shaped up around here. I guess I'd better shape up if I want to stay in school.
2. to assume a final form or structure. The game plan for the election was beginning to shape up. Her objectives began to shape up in her senior year.
shape up
1. to develop The state of the economy is shaping up as a major political issue. Everyone's waiting to see how the new football season will shape up in September.
2. to improve your behavior or performance He promised me he was going to shape up and stay out of trouble.
3. to get into better physical condition The astronauts shape up before a mission by working with small weights and doing exercises.
shape up
2. Improve so as to meet a standard, as in The coach told the team that they'd better shape up or they'd be at the bottom of the league . This usage was first recorded in 1938.
3. shape up or ship out Behave yourself or be forced to leave, as in The new supervisor told Tom he'd have to shape up or ship out. This expression originated in the 1940s, during World War II, as a threat that if one didn't behave in an appropriate military manner one would be sent overseas to a combat zone. After the war it was transferred to other situations calling for improved performance.
shape up
v.1. To develop: This football game could shape up to be the most exciting game in years.
2. To improve one's behavior or actions so as to meet a standard: If you don't shape up, you're going to be in a lot of trouble.
shape up
1. in. to improve; to reform. I guess I’d better shape up if I want to stay in school.
2. in. to assume a final form or structure. The game plan for the election was beginning to shape up.