What are the definitions of “shake down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “shake down”?
The phrasal verb shake down is more commonly used to describe conducting a thorough search, usually to find illegal substances or items. However, it also refers to extorting or cheating money from someone through intimidation or deception, depending on the context.
What are the different verb forms of “shake down”?
| Root Verb | *shake down* |
| Third Person Singular Present | *shakes down* |
| Present Participle | *shaking down* |
| Simple Past | *shook down* |
| Past Participle | *shaken down* |
Example
The police often shake down suspect houses for illegal substances.
Example
He usually shakes down businesses for protection money.
Example
They're discussing the practice of shaking down unsuspecting victims.
Example
Yesterday, the authorities shook down a warehouse suspected of illegal activities.
Example
The shop had been shaken down by local thugs for a while.
What kind of phrasal verb is “shake down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“shake down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The police shook the house down looking for drugs.
Example
He often shakes down small businesses for protection money.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“shake down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The police shook the house down looking for drugs.
Example
He often shakes down small businesses for protection money.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “shake down”?
To perform a comprehensive search, typically to uncover illegal substances or items.
Example
The authorities shook down the building, discovering a stash of contraband.
Good things to know
Does “shake down” have an informal or formal tone?
The phrasal verb shake down is informal and is often used in colloquial conversations. However, its usage should be considered based on the context and the formality of the situation.
