Differences between shake down and shake off
Shake down means to search someone or something thoroughly, often with the intention of finding something hidden or illegal. On the other hand, shake off means to get rid of something unwanted or to escape from someone or something that is pursuing you.
Meanings and Definitions: shake down vs shake off
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
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.
Shake off
- 1Get rid of an illness.
It took me ages to SHAKE OFF the cough.
Usage Examples: shake down, shake off in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
shake down
Example
The police often shake down suspect houses for illegal substances.
Example
He usually shakes down businesses for protection money.
shake off
Example
She is trying to shake off her bad mood.
Example
He shakes off his nervousness before giving a speech.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Shake down
To examine or inspect something or someone thoroughly and systematically.
Example
The police searched the suspect's house thoroughly for any evidence that could link him to the crime.
To search a place or container thoroughly and often roughly, leaving it in disarray.
Example
The burglars ransacked the house looking for valuables and left everything in a mess.
strip search
To conduct a thorough search of a person's clothing and body, often in a humiliating or invasive manner.
Example
The prison guards conducted a strip search on the new inmates to ensure they were not carrying any contraband.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Shake off
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Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Differences in shake down vs shake off: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: shake down or shake off?
In everyday conversation, shake off is more common than shake down. This is because shake off is used in a variety of situations, such as getting rid of a bad habit or shaking off a cold. Shake down, however, is less common and is mainly used in law enforcement or criminal contexts.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of shake down and shake off
Shake down and shake off are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, shake down may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with law enforcement and criminal activities.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of shake down and shake off
The tone of shake down and shake off can differ based on context. Shake down often has a serious or suspicious tone when related to searching for something illegal or hidden, while shake off typically has a more lighthearted or determined tone, especially when referring to getting rid of something unwanted or escaping from a pursuer.
