in shape

in shape — idiom

1. at a level of physical fitness where the body is strong, healthy, and able to do

1.idiomB1
Definition

at a level of physical fitness where the body is strong, healthy, and able to do physical activities without difficulty; also used more generally for something that is in proper working order.

Example

Amelia runs five kilometres every morning to stay in shape for the marathon.

stay in shape + purpose clause

Tamás had little exercise over winter, so he joined a gym to get back in shape.

get back in shape after a break

Common collocations
  • get in shape
  • stay in shape
  • keep in shape
  • be in shape
  • back in shape
  • in great shape
  • in good shape
  • in poor shape
Synonyms
  • fit

    more direct and common; 'fit' can also describe a person's permanent quality rather than a temporary state

  • healthy

    broader — includes not being sick, not just physical conditioning

  • in good condition

    slightly more formal; works for both people and objects

  • toned

    focuses on muscle definition rather than overall fitness

Antonyms
  • out of shape

    the direct opposite; describes poor physical condition

  • unfit

    more formal; implies a lack of the necessary physical ability

Grammar Patterns

get/stay/keep/be + in shape

get + back + in shape

Usage Note

Commonly paired with 'get' to describe starting a fitness programme ('get in shape'), 'stay/keep' for ongoing maintenance ('stay in shape'), and 'be' for a current state ('be in shape'). The expression is also used metaphorically for objects, organisations, or plans (e.g., 'the company got back in shape').

Common Mistakes

I am in shape to run.
I am in good enough shape to run.
'in shape' alone describes a general state, not a degree; add modifiers like 'good enough' to specify sufficiency.

Synonym discussion

Sense: idiom/1

'In shape' and 'fit' are the closest pair — both describe good physical conditioning, but 'fit' can feel more permanent (a person is fit as a general trait) while 'in shape' often implies an active, ongoing effort. 'Healthy' is broader: a person can be healthy but out of shape if they don't exercise. 'In good condition' works for both people and objects and is slightly more formal. 'Toned' is narrower, referring only to visible muscle definition. Example: 'Lina is healthy but not really in shape — she never exercises.' 'Getting in shape' emphasises the process of improving fitness, whereas 'being fit' leans more toward the achieved state.

fit ↗healthy ↗in good conditiontoned ↗

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word 'shape' comes from Old English 'gesceap' meaning 'form, creation, figure'. By the 1500s, 'shape' was used to mean 'physical condition or form of the body'. The phrase 'in shape' (meaning in good condition) became common in the early 1900s, first appearing in sports and military contexts, then spreading to everyday language for both people and things.