| 词汇 | knock into shape |
| 释义 | Idiom knock into shapeknock/lick (something/someone) into shape to improve the condition of something or the condition or behaviour of someone.The prime minister's main aim is to knock the economy into shape.Little Sean is a bit wild but the teachers'll soon lick him into shape when he starts school. knock (someone or something) into shapeTo return someone or something into acceptable condition or behavior, especially through direct, efficient, and practical means. The president won the election on his promise to knock the economy into shape by overhauling outdated or inefficient legislation. What he really needs is a mentor who will knock him into shape. knock something/someone into shapeorwhip something/someone into shapeCOMMON If you knock something or someone into shape or whip them into shape, you improve them. After a successful career at the Italian central bank, few people doubt his ability to whip the economy into shape. Now his players will spend their time being knocked into shape for the new season. Note: In British English, you can also lick something or someone into shape. We were licked into shape by the long-serving departmental managers to whom we reported. Note: The variation `lick someone into shape' relates to an ancient belief that bear cubs were born as shapeless lumps. It was thought that their mothers then licked them until they developed their proper form. get/knock/lick somebody/something into ˈshapemake somebody/something more acceptable or organized; improve somebody/something: Do you think you can lick this company into shape? |
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