shape up
Start performing acceptably
Shape up means to improve one's behavior, performance, or condition.
It often carries an implicit threat: Shape up or ship out.
The phrase can describe general improvement: The project is finally shaping up.
Something that shapes up to be a certain way is developing in that direction: It's shaping up to be a long winter.
To progress or heal
- reformImprove by correcting faults
- progressMovement toward improvement
- straighten outCorrect or organize properly
- turn aroundRotate one hundred eighty degrees
pull together · mold · develop · advance · grow · transform · evolve · refine
Comply with expectations
- toe the lineAdhere to standards
- conformBehave as expected
- obeyFollow commands given
- complyFollow rules or requests
behave · straighten up · buckle down · knuckle under · submit · yield · get serious · focus
Strengthen through exercise
- slim downReduce body size
- get fitBecome physically healthier
- exerciseActivity for fitness
- trainRail vehicle or instruct
work out · condition · sculpt · firm up · trim · muscle · cardio · gym
Restore order to space
- neatenMake orderly
- arrangePlace methodically
- sort outResolve or organize
- straightenMake linear or orderly
put in order · declutter · systematize · streamline · structure · coordinate · align · assemble
get better
To progress or heal
- reformImprove by correcting faults
- progressMovement toward improvement
- straighten outCorrect or organize properly
turn around · pull together · mold · develop · advance · grow · transform · evolve · refine · correct
fall in line
Comply with expectations
- toe the lineAdhere to standards
- conformBehave as expected
- obeyFollow commands given
comply · behave · straighten up · buckle down · knuckle under · submit · yield · get serious · focus · apply oneself
tone up
Strengthen through exercise
train · work out · condition · sculpt · firm up · trim · muscle · cardio · gym · physique
tidy up
Restore order to space
put in order · straighten · declutter · systematize · streamline · structure · coordinate · align · assemble · prepare
- groomingbrushing teeth, clean shave, bathe, groomed, haircut
- disciplinemisconduct, violation, time-out, timeout, grounded
- Personal Changereform, repent, turn over a new leaf, straighten up, improve
- snap out of itsnap out of it, get a grip, get it together, shake it off, wake up
- barbershopbarber, barber chair, barber pole, clippers, razor
- getting organizedget organized, in order, put in place, straighten up, tidy up
shape updeteriorate
Grow worse over time
go downhill · fall apart · decline · degenerate · slip
shape upgive up
Stop attempting something
let go · slack · coast · phone it in · mail it in
shape, shaped, shaping, reshape, shapes, shapely, shapeless, reshaping, misshape