Meaning of shape up | Babel Free

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