shape up
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.
So do we now have a better idea of how the Three Lions might shape up against higher-quality opposition in the summer?
From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026
The Ackman twin IPOs shape up as a key test of whether the bonus shares for the closed-end fund will be enough to incent buyers to what has been a moribund closed-end fund market.
From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026
When Robert Duvall was floundering around in college, his father, a career Navy man who retired with the rank of rear admiral, told him to shape up — and start acting.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026
While credit trends improved in the third quarter, investors still don’t know how the fourth quarter and 2026 will shape up in terms of stock-market gains and employment trends, he said.
From MarketWatch • Nov. 11, 2025
Forlornly, Patrolman Mancuso had put on the tights before the sergeant, who had pushed him out of the precinct and told him to shape up or get off the force.
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
![]()