bash into shape

Meaning: To shape, repair, or train something or someone by vigorous, rough, or direct methods.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Category: Daily Life

Origin: From the image of hammering and beating material into the desired form, as a blacksmith or carpenter might do.

More idioms — Daily Life

  • in the same boat — In a shared predicament or situation; facing the same difficulties or circumstances toget…
  • go along for the ride — To accompany someone passively, without taking an active role or responsibility.
  • long fuse — A personality trait of being slow to anger; patience before losing one's temper.
  • bow out — To resign or withdraw from a situation while preserving one's dignity and reputation.
  • long shot — Something unlikely to succeed or happen; a bet or venture with very poor odds.
  • land in someone's lap — Something desirable comes to someone without effort or expectation on their part.

More English idioms

  • at a pinch — In an urgent or difficult situation, when no better alternative is available or when reso…
  • at latter Lammas — Never; at a time that will never come.
  • go overboard — To exceed reasonable limits; to do something to an excessive, unrestrained, or reckless d…
  • straight from the horse's mouth — Information received directly from the original source, without intermediaries.
  • thin the herd — To reduce the size of a group by removing members, typically the weakest or least product…
  • I have a bridge to sell you — A sarcastic way of saying that someone is gullible or easily deceived.

From our untranslatable words

  • Mångata — The shimmering, road-like reflection the moon casts across water.
  • Toska — A dull ache of the soul; a great longing with nothing in particular to long for.
  • Dépaysement — The disorienting yet often pleasant feeling of being far from home, immersed in the unfam…

Browse all untranslatable words →

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