shape up

Definitions

1. To improve; to correct one's bad habits or behavior.
   idiomatic, intransitive
2. To take shape; to transform into or become.
   idiomatic, intransitive
3. To gesture or posture threateningly; to approach as if to fight; to pose to intimidate.
   intransitive, slang

Equivalents

Examples

“He'd better shape⟳ up soon, or he'll fail⟳ the class.”

“You better shape⟳ up 'Cause I need⟳ a man And my heart is set⟳ on you”

“The fog has vanished and it's shaping up to be a beautiful day.”

“Pretty good. A full refrigerator! I can see⟳ this afternoon is shaping up just great.”

“Even though this episode felt packed to the brim and sometimes unwieldly, the strongest moments were spent with Cersei, Sansa, and Daenerys: three daughters who were never supposed to rule⟳, wading through their pain and suffering to shape⟳ The Seven Kingdoms. A lot has been said and written about the sons in this story who were never meant to rule⟳ (Tyrion, Jon, even Sam) but this season is shaping up to be an examination of these women.”

CEFR level