Sekirov Dictionary

lick into shape

/ˌlɪk ɪn.tuː ˈʃeɪ̯p/

verb1

•
To exert considerable effort to change (someone or something) into a desired state.
- […] Men did not knovv hovv to mould and frame it [the doctrine of transubstantiation]; but at last it vvas licked into shape; the vvhole Philosophy being cast into such a Mould as agreed vvith it. — 1699

forms

licked into shape · licking into shape · licks into shape

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