( NAmE , informal ) used to tell sb that if they do not improve, work harder, etc. they will have to leave their job, position, etc. :
He finally faced up to his drug problem when his band told him to shape up or ship out.
( NAmE , informal ) used to tell sb that if they do not improve, work harder, etc. they will have to leave their job, position, etc. :
He finally faced up to his drug problem when his band told him to shape up or ship out.
Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary. Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне. 2005