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Lick into Shape (To)

.

According to tradition the cubs of bears are cast shapeless, and remain so till the dam has licked them into proper form.

“So watchful Bruin forms, with plastic care,

Each growing lump, and brings it to a bear.”


Pope: Dunciad, i. 101.

 

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Liberty
Liberty
Libitina
Libra [the balance]
Library
Libya
Licentiate
Lich
Lichten
Lick
Lick into Shape (To)
Lick the Dust (To)
Licks the Butter
Lickspittle (A)
Lictors
Lid
Lidskialfa [the terror of nations]
Lie
Lie Circumstantial (The)
Lie Direct (The)
Lie Quarrelsome (The)