Differences between shake down and weigh down
Shake down means to search thoroughly, often with the intention of finding something hidden or illegal. Weigh down means to burden or make someone or something heavy.
Meanings and Definitions: shake down vs weigh down
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.
Weigh down
- 1To make someone feel burdened or heavy.
Duplicates of applications and identification papers weigh down my hands.
- 2To burden or make someone feel heavy or tired.
If you weigh yourself down you’ll get very tired.
- 3To burden or make someone feel heavy or overwhelmed.
The waiters were weighed down by huge trays of food.
Usage Examples: shake down, weigh down 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.
weigh down
Example
The heavy backpack weighs down the hiker.
Example
The responsibility weighs her down every day.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Shake down
To look through something carefully and completely.
Example
The police searched thoroughly through the suspect's apartment to find any evidence.
To search a place thoroughly and often in a violent or destructive way.
Example
The burglars ransacked the house, leaving everything in disarray.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Weigh down
To make someone or something feel heavy or overloaded.
Example
The stress of work was weighing down on her, making it difficult to focus on anything else.
To cause someone to feel weighed down or suppressed by a powerful force or authority.
Example
The dictator's regime oppressed the citizens, making them feel powerless and hopeless.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “weigh”
Phrasal Verbs with “down”
Differences in shake down vs weigh down: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: shake down or weigh down?
In everyday conversation, weigh down is more common than shake down. This is because weigh down can be used in a variety of situations, such as describing emotional or physical burdens, while shake down is more specific and often used in law enforcement or criminal contexts.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of shake down and weigh down
Shake down and weigh down are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, weigh down can also be used in more formal settings, such as academic or professional writing.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of shake down and weigh down
The tone of shake down is often serious or intense, especially when used in law enforcement or criminal contexts. On the other hand, weigh down has a more negative connotation and can convey a sense of sadness or frustration.
