in the shape of

in the shape of — idiom

1. used to say that something arrives, exists, or is presented as a particular pers

1.idiomB2
Definition

used to say that something arrives, exists, or is presented as a particular person, thing, or type — showing what form it takes rather than naming it directly.

Example

Help arrived in the shape of Eri, who brought food and medicine.

in the shape of + person arriving to help

The company offered a bonus in the shape of extra holiday days.

in the shape of + abstract benefit

Common collocations
  • come in the shape of
  • arrive in the shape of
  • appear in the shape of
  • present itself in the shape of
Synonyms
  • in the form of

    the most direct synonym; interchangeable in almost all contexts, equally neutral in register

  • as

    shorter and less formal; draws less attention to the idea of transformation or appearance

Grammar Patterns

in the shape of + noun phrase

Usage Note

The verb before this phrase is usually one of arrival or appearance: "come", "arrive", "appear", or "present itself". The subject is typically an abstract concept — help, support, news, opportunity, relief.

Common Mistakes

Bonus came in a shape of extra pay.
The bonus came in the shape of extra pay.
The article is always "the", never "a". This is a fixed phrase.

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishModern English

The phrase comes from the literal meaning of "shape" (physical form or outline, from Old English "gesceap"), extended metaphorically during the 16th–17th centuries to describe the form that an abstract thing — such as help, trouble, or opportunity — takes when it appears in the world.