Differences between shake down and shake up
Shake down means to search someone or something thoroughly, often with the intention of finding something hidden or illegal. On the other hand, shake up means to cause a significant change or disruption in something or someone's routine.
Meanings and Definitions: shake down vs shake up
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 up
- 1Upset or shock.
The news of her death really SHOOK me UP.
- 2Make major changes to improve or save a company, organisation, etc.
The management are SHAKING things UP and getting rid of a lot of workers.
- 3Mix things in a container by shaking hard.
Pour the ingredients into a container and SHAKE them UP.
Usage Examples: shake down, shake up 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 up
Example
The new CEO plans to shake up the company to increase profits.
Example
She shakes up her morning routine to stay motivated.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Shake down
To search someone thoroughly, especially for concealed weapons or illegal items.
Example
The security guard had to frisk everyone who entered the concert venue.
To search a place thoroughly and often in a violent or destructive way.
Example
The burglars ransacked the house and stole all the valuable items.
strip search
To search someone's body or clothing thoroughly, often in a humiliating or invasive way.
Example
The police officer conducted a strip search on the suspect to find any hidden drugs or weapons.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Shake up
To interrupt or disturb the normal flow or order of something.
Example
The sudden power outage disrupted the meeting and caused confusion among the attendees.
stir things up
To cause trouble or controversy by bringing up sensitive or divisive issues.
Example
The politician's speech stirred things up and sparked a heated debate among the audience.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
- boil down
- batter down
- fall down
- wind down
- lash down
Phrasal Verbs with “up”
Differences in shake down vs shake up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: shake down or shake up?
In everyday conversation, shake up is more common than shake down. Shake up can be used in various contexts, such as personal life, work, or politics, while shake down is mainly used in law enforcement or criminal activities.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of shake down and shake up
Shake down and shake up are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, shake down may have a negative connotation due to its association with illegal activities.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of shake down and shake up
The tone of shake down is often serious and suspicious, while shake up can have a positive or negative tone depending on the context. For example, if someone says they want to shake up their routine, it may imply a desire for positive change. However, if someone says they were shaken up by a traumatic event, it has a negative connotation.
