ALL meanings of lick into shape
lick in·to shape
L l - verb with object lick into shape to pass the tongue over the surface of, as to moisten, taste, or eat (often followed by up, off, from, etc.): to lick a postage stamp; to lick an ice-cream cone. 1
- verb with object lick into shape to make, or cause to become, by stroking with the tongue: to lick a spoon clean. 1
- verb with object lick into shape (of waves, flames, etc.) to pass or play lightly over: The flame licked the dry timber. 1
- verb with object lick into shape Informal. to hit or beat, especially as a punishment; thrash; whip. to overcome or defeat, as in a fight, game, or contest. to outdo or surpass. 1
- verb without object lick into shape to move quickly or lightly. 1
- noun lick into shape a stroke of the tongue over something. 1
- noun lick into shape as much as can be taken up by one stroke of the tongue. 1
- noun lick into shape salt lick. 1
- noun lick into shape Informal. a blow. a brief, brisk burst of activity or energy. a quick pace or clip; speed. a small amount: I haven't done a lick of work all week. 1
- noun lick into shape Usually, licks. a critical or complaining remark. 1
- noun lick into shape Usually, licks. Jazz Slang. a musical phrase, as by a soloist in improvising. 1
- idioms lick into shape last licks, a final turn or opportunity: We got in our last licks on the tennis court before the vacation ended. 1
- idioms lick into shape lick and a promise, a hasty and perfunctory performance in doing something: I didn't have time to clean thoroughly, so I gave the room a lick and a promise. 1
- idioms lick into shape lick ass, Slang: Vulgar. kiss (def 18). 1
- idioms lick into shape lick into shape, Informal. to bring to completion or perfection through discipline, hard work, etc.: They needed another rehearsal to lick the production into shape. 1
- idioms lick into shape lick one's chops. chop3 (def 7). 1
- idioms lick into shape lick one's wounds. wound1 (def 6). 1
- idioms lick into shape lick the dust. dust (def 24). 1
- noun lick into shape to put into a satisfactory condition: from the former belief that bear cubs were born formless and had to be licked into shape by their mother 0
- noun lick into shape to bring into proper condition by careful, persistent work 0