Quiet parrot, given drink, makes progress (6,2)

I believe the answer is:

shapes up

'makes progress' is the definition.
('shape up' can be a synonym of 'make progress')

'quiet parrot given drink' is the wordplay.
'quiet' becomes 'sh' (both can be said to tell someone to be quiet).
'parrot' becomes 'ape' (both can mean to imitate).
'given' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'drink' becomes 'sup' (to sup is to drink).
'sh'+'ape'+'sup'='SHAPES UP'

(Another definition for shapes up that I've seen is " Improves".)

I've seen this clue in The Everyman puzzle in The Observer.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app