shape up

To develop in a particular way or begin to become something.

• Our plans are shaping up nicely.
• It shaped up to be a beautiful day.
• How is the new team shaping up?

How to use it: shape up to be something (It's shaping up to be a busy week.); shape up as something (The event is shaping up as a major celebration.)

Similar words: develop, take shape, turn out

Common phrases: shape up nicely, shape up well, shape up as something

To improve your work or behavior, especially after doing badly.

• You need to shape up.
• He shaped up after his teacher spoke to him.
• The boss warned us to shape up or lose our jobs.

Similar words: improve, pull yourself together

Opposites: deteriorate

Common phrases: shape up quickly, shape up soon, shape up now

To move or stand in a threatening way, as if ready to fight someone.

• The two men began to shape up.
• He shaped up to me outside the pub.
• She walked away when he started shaping up for a fight.

How to use it: shape up to someone (He shaped up to the stranger with his fists raised.)

Similar words: square up

Opposites: back down

Common phrases: shape up threateningly, shape up aggressively