SHAPE UP

{v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To begin to act or work right; get along satisfactorily. * /If the new boy doesn't begin to shape up soon, he'll have to leave school./ * /"How is the building of the new gym coming along?" "Fine. It's shaping up very well."/ 2. To show promise. * /Plans for our picnic are shaping up very well./