lick into shape

Etymology
From the medieval notion that bear cubs were born shapeless, and that the mother would lick them into the shape of a bear; see, for example,  (2nd edition, 1624) by Robert Burton (spelling modernized): “I should have revised, corrected, and amended this Tract; but I had not (as I say) that happy leisure, no Amanuenses’ assistance, and was therefore enforced, as a Bear doth her whelps, to bring forth this confused lump, and had not time to lick it into form, as she doth her young ones, but even so to publish it, as it was first written,.”

Verb

 * 1)  To exert considerable effort to change (someone or something) into a desired state.

Translations

 * Finnish: laittaa kuntoon