Differences between hunker down and shake down
Hunker down means to settle in a place and prepare to stay there for a while, especially during a difficult situation, while shake down means to search thoroughly for something or someone, often with the intention of finding something hidden or illegal.
Meanings and Definitions: hunker down vs shake down
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Hunker down
- 1Settle in a place as comfortably as possible to stay there.
The troops HUNKERED DOWN in the building.
Shake down
- 1Search.
The police SHOOK the house DOWN looking for drugs.
- 2Extort or cheat money from someone.
He SHOOK the guy DOWN with some story about needing the money for an operation.
Usage Examples: hunker down, shake down in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
hunker down
Example
During the storm, the family hunkered down in the basement.
Example
She hunkers down in her room to study for the exam.
shake down
Example
The police often shake down suspect houses for illegal substances.
Example
He usually shakes down businesses for protection money.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hunker down
huddle up
To gather closely together with others for warmth, comfort, or protection.
Example
As the temperature dropped, the group decided to huddle up and share body heat to stay warm.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Shake down
To look for something or someone in a detailed and comprehensive way, often with the intention of finding something hidden or lost.
Example
The police decided to search the area thoroughly to find any clues that could help solve the case.
strip search
To search someone's body by removing all their clothes, often with the intention of finding hidden objects or illegal substances.
Example
The suspect was subjected to a strip search to ensure he wasn't carrying any contraband into the prison.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Differences in hunker down vs shake down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: hunker down or shake down?
In daily conversation, people use hunker down more often than shake down. This is because hunker down is used to describe a common behavior during difficult situations, such as a storm or a pandemic. Shake down, on the other hand, is less common and is mainly used in specific contexts, such as law enforcement or military operations.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of hunker down and shake down
Hunker down and shake down are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of hunker down and shake down
The tone of hunker down and shake down can differ based on context. Hunker down often carries a sense of determination or resilience when related to facing a challenge or crisis, while shake down typically has a more serious and intense tone, especially when referring to a search for illegal activities or hidden objects.
