shape

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 [C,U] the form of the outer edges or surfaces of sth; an example of sth that has a particular form: a rectangular shape * The pool was in the shape of a heart. * The island was originally circular in shape. * Squares, circles and triangles are types of shape. * Candles come in all shapes and sizes. * You can recognize the fish by the shape of their fins. * This old T-shirt has completely lost its shape. * (figurative) The government provides money in the shape of (= consisting of) grants and student loans. 2 [C] a person or thing that is difficult to see clearly SYNFIGURE: Ghostly shapes moved around in the dark. * I could just make out a dark shape in the distance. 3 [U] the physical condition of sb/sth: What sort of shape was the car in after the accident? * He's in good shape for a man of his age. * I like to keep in shape (= keep fit). * He's not in any shape (= not well enough) to be working. 4 [U] the particular qualities or characteristics of sth: Will new technology change the shape of broadcasting? * Prices vary according to the size and shape of each project. IDIOMS get (yourself) into shape to take exercise, eat healthy food, etc. in order to become physically fit: I'm trying to get into shape before summer. get / knock / lick sb into shape to train sb so that they do a particular job, task, etc. well: It took him just two weeks to knock the new recruits into shape. get / knock / lick sth into shape to make sth more acceptable, organized or successful: I've got all the information together but it still needs knocking into shape. * It shouldn't take long to get the company back into shape. give shape to sth (formal) to express or explain a particular idea, plan, etc: Marie tried to find the right words to give shape to the confusion in her head. in any (way,) shape or form (informal) of any type: I don't approve of violence in any shape or form. out of shape 1 not having the normal shape: The wheel had been twisted out of shape. 2 (of a person) not in good physical condition: I didn't realize how out of shape I was! the shape of things to come the way things are likely to develop in the future: Are solar-powered cars the shape of things to come? take shape to develop and become more complete or organized: The garden is beginning to take shape. * A new song began to take shape in her mind. verb 1 [VN] ~ A (into B) to make sth into a particular shape: Shape the dough into a ball. * This tool is used for shaping wood. 2 [VN] to have an important influence on the way that sb/sth develops: His ideas had been shaped by his experiences during the war. * She had a leading role in shaping party policy. 3 [Vtoinf] to prepare to do sth, especially hit or kick sth: She was shaping to hit her second shot. IDIOMS shape up or ship out (AmE, informal) used to tell sb that if they do not improve, work harder, etc. they will have to leave their job, position, etc: He finally faced up to his drug problem when his band told him to shape up or ship out. PHRASALVERBS shape up 1 to develop in a particular way, especially in a satisfactory way: Our plans are shaping up nicely (= showing signs that they will be successful). 2 (informal) to improve your behaviour, work harder, etc: If he doesn't shape up, he'll soon be out of a job.