To improve and correct your behavior and performance or else get out or leave

Etymology:

  • It is a phrase of World War II in America when armed forces first used this command. It suggested that the sailors, soldiers or marine are warned to adapt according to the rules and regulations or rightfully perform their tasks they are supposed to, if they are to stay in the field otherwise they would be expelled or sent to back zone. Later the phrase was expanded to include all areas in which improvement and performances were demanded.
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The chief asked the lame employee to shape up or ship out for the betterment of the company.

Submitted on February 25, 2019

Additional definitions for 'Shape Up or Ship Out':

shape up or ship outTo either improve one's behavior or else be required to leave; to either improve one's performance in an activity or else withdraw from that activity completely.
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    "Shape Up or Ship Out." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/shape-up-or-ship-out_45016>.

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