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.

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

"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'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

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