in the shape of (someone or something)

in the shape of (someone or something)

As represented or exemplified by a particular person or thing. France elected a new president in the shape of Emmanuel Macron. The IRS is investigating whether the politician attempted to hide revenue in the shape of campaign contributions.See also: of, shape

in the shape/form of somebody/something

follows a general word and introduces a particular example of it: There was entertainment on the ship, in the form of a disco and a cinema. ♢ Help arrived in the shape of a policeman.See also: form, of, shape, somebody, something