shape up
The idiom 'shape up' is widely used to indicate improvement in various contexts, from behavior and performance to physical fitness.
Definition
B2General
(informal)To improve one's behavior or performance.
Example
- If you don't shape up, you'll be fired.
B2Fitness
(informal)To get into better physical condition through exercise.
Example
- He's been shaping up for the marathon.
B2Development
(informal)To develop or take form in a particular way.
Example
- The project is shaping up nicely.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "shape up":
straighten uptone upsharpen upsmarten upin shapetighten upfirm upfix upfit upman upstraighten outnut upbrace upsort oneself outbutch upsquare upstep upboss uplook sharpdo upbuck upspruce upskinny upperk upwork upgrow upbash into shapestiff upsquare offgear upshave upsize upbear upget rightstand upslim downsuit uppolish upbuff upsit upsex uphead upget with the programsquare awaybulk upshake upgee upwork outkeep fitharden upsack upbutt upswitch uptool upgen upshine updress uphem upsoup upmuscled upfight upbrush upget it upget upshow uphot uppipe updone upglow uppower upscrub upfront upstay upspark upamp upvamp upkick up