shake1 verbshake2 noun
shakeshake1 /ʃeɪk/ ●●● S3 W2 verb (past tense shook /ʃʊk/, past participle shaken /ˈʃeɪkən/) 
WORD ORIGINshake1
Origin:
Old English sceacanVERB TABLE
shake
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | shake |
| he, she, it | shakes | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | shook |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have shaken |
| he, she, it | has shaken | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had shaken |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will shake |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have shaken |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am shaking |
| he, she, it | is shaking | |
| you, we, they | are shaking | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was shaking |
| you, we, they | were shaking | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been shaking |
| he, she, it | has been shaking | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been shaking |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be shaking |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been shaking |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "Women drivers!" the truck driver yelled, shaking his fist at me.
- Shake the bottle well to mix all the ingredients together.
- Brad got up and shook his legs to get all the grass off.
- Coat the chicken pieces in flour and shake off any excess.
- Ed was playing his music so loud that the whole house shook.
- His hand shook as he signed the paper.
- I can't seem to shake off this cold.
- Mom shook her head. "You can't go out again at this time of night."
- My hands were shaking so much I could hardly write my name on the exam paper.
- Never shake a baby.
- News of the accident shook the tiny farming community.
- Parker hopes to shake his image as a dull, unimaginative politician.
- She shook her long blonde hair.
- She shook the blanket to get rid of all the dust.
- Suddenly the ground beneath my feet began to shake.
- The car slowed down, shook for a moment and then stopped.
- The huge explosion shook houses up to five miles away.
- The others were all shaking with laughter.
- They raced around corners and down dark alleys, trying to shake the police.
- But this was self-pity, to which he had never been addicted, and he must shake it off at all costs.
- He shook the rain from his overcoat and cap and proceeded to undo his boots.
- Once they reached the ground they shook their wings violently, until they fell off.
- She shook her head, pretending a half-bewilder-ment.
- She shook her head, tugging the hairbrush vigorously through her tangled auburn locks.
- The hostile tone of Gioella's last comment shook her.
- Theda was shaking, a river of ice at her back.
- When he went he shook my hand.
THESAURUSperson
if a person or part of their body shakes, they make small sudden continuous movements from side to side or up and down, especially because they are very frightened, cold, ill etc: · Suddenly he started to shake. ‘Don’t ever scare me like that again!’ he whispered.· The poor girl was shaking.
to shake for a short time, especially because you think of something very unpleasant, or because you feel frightened or cold: · Corbett shuddered when he thought of what might have happened to them.· I shuddered when I read the article.· He was still shuddering with the cold.· She clung to him, shuddering with emotion.
to shake slightly in a way that you cannot control, especially because you are frightened, worried, or angry: · Ernest opened the letter in silence, his hands trembling.· Her whole body trembled with fear.· He hadn’t dared to move. He was trembling with shock.· ‘I won’t be coming back,’ she said, her body trembling with anger.
to shake slightly, especially only a few times, because you are cold or frightened: · She shivered, pulling her coat closer around herself.· You make me shiver when you talk like that.
especially literary to shake slightly and continuously because you are very worried or excited – used especially about someone’s lips, mouth, or body: · Her bottom lip began to quiver, and she turned away to hide her tears.· Alice’s eyes began to fill with tears and her mouth quivered. ‘I 'm going away,’ she said.
to move unsteadily from side to side: · Mrs Hamilton wobbled precariously on her high heels.
to move gently backwards and forwards or from side to side: · He rocked to and fro in his chair.
object/vehicle/the ground etc to move suddenly from side to side or up and down, usually with a lot of force: · The floor shook from a distant explosion.· The walls were still shaking.· The trees were shaking in the wind.
to shake and make a noise: · The windows rattled in the wind.· The train was rattling over the bridge.
to shake continuously with small fast movements: · The music was so loud that the whole room vibrated.· The atoms vibrate at different frequencies.
to move unsteadily from side to side: · The bike began to wobble alarmingly as she fought to control it.· The cup wobbled and he grabbed it to stop it from falling.
to move gently backwards and forwards or from side to side: · The trailer rocked in the wind.· The boat was rocking from side to side with the waves.
(also judder especially British English) if a vehicle or machine shudders, it shakes for a short time.: · The lift shuddered then began to descend.· The engine shuddered into life (=it shook and then started working).· The car juddered to a halt (=it shook and then stopped) outside the house.
Longman Language Activatorwhen things shake if something shakes , it makes very small quick movements from side to side or up and down: · Ed was playing his music so loud that the whole house shook.· Suddenly the ground beneath my feet began to shake.· The car slowed down, shook for a moment and then stopped.
to shake and repeatedly hit against something else, making a continuous noise: · The windows were rattling in the wind.· I woke up to the sound of cups and plates rattling, and knew that Dad was already up.
if something wobbles , it moves from side to side because it is not steady or not well balanced: · The chair wobbled under her weight and then fell over.· Jerry came in carrying a tray of glasses that were wobbling alarmingly.
to shake continuously with very small, very fast movements, for example because of the effects of a very loud noise: · Some insects' wings vibrate so fast that the movement is invisible to the human eye.vibrate to: · Everything in the room was vibrating to the beat of the drum.
if something such as a piece of machinery or a vehicle shudders , it shakes uncontrollably with very small movements: · Our house was so close to the railway that you could feel it shudder every time a train went by.shudder to a halt (=shake a lot and then stop): · The train shuddered to a halt at the station.
especially British if something judders , it shakes with small, quick movements, especially because something is stopping it moving freely or smoothly: · Jackson took his Land Rover off the track and it juddered over 15 metres of grass.· The elevator doors juddered open when we reached the fifth floor.judder to a halt (=shake a lot and then stop): · Something was obviously wrong with the car and eventually it just juddered to a halt.
to move up and down or from side to side with sudden large movements - use this especially about a vehicle or machine that is not working well or moving smoothly: · Our coach jolted and stopped. Then it started again.jolt along/over/through etc: · He ran down the hill, the backpack jolting from side to side on his back.jolt to a halt/stop: · Everyone was alarmed when the elevator jolted to a halt.
when your body, hand etc shakes if you shake , your body makes small quick uncontrolled movements, for example because you are frightened, nervous, or angry: · My hands were shaking so much I could hardly write my name on the exam paper.shake with fear/anger/laughter etc (=shake because you are frightened, angry etc): · The others were all shaking with laughter.
to shake very slightly, especially because you are frightened or upset: · Jane's lip began to tremble and I though she was going to cry.· The dog sat trembling in a corner.tremble with anger/emotion/fear etc: · Polly hid behind the door, trembling with fear.
to shake because you are cold, or because of an emotion such as fear: · Julia shivered and pulled her coat more tightly around her.· You're shivering! Do you want to go indoors?shiver with excitement/fear/horror etc: · Lizzy looked out at the thick snow and shivered with excitement.
to shake uncontrollably for a short moment, especially because the idea of something is very unpleasant or upsetting: · Dave tried to kiss Julia but she shuddered and turned away.· I shuddered to think of my son all alone in New York.
if a part of your body twitches , it makes a very small, sudden movement, especially when you do not want this to happen but you cannot control it: · Mac was very nervous. A muscle on his face began to twitch.· Roberta's mouth twitched as she tried to stop herself laughing out loud.
to shake so slightly that it is difficult for other people to notice, especially because you are very excited, nervous, or angry: · John's hands were quivering as he put down his papers and started his speech.quiver with anger/excitement/fear etc: · The children stood there quivering with excitement as I opened the package.
when your body shakes violently and uncontrollably because you are very ill: have convulsions: · The baby was sweating and crying. She started to have convulsions again.go into convulsions: · Andrew died after taking the drug, which had caused him to go into convulsions.
to make something shake to make something move up and down or from side to side with small quick movements: · Shake the bottle before you open it.· She shook the blanket to get rid of all the dust.· The huge explosion shook houses up to five miles away.
to make a place or object shake - use this especially about loud noises or strong movements or explosions: · The music was so loud that it made the floor shake.· Every time a train passed it made the whole house shake.
especially British to hold something and shake it a few times: · I gave the box a shake to see if there was anything inside.· Martha took the tablecloth outside and gave it a good shake.
to shake a liquid quickly - use this especially in technical or scientific contexts: · Mix the two solutions together and agitate the bottle.·
to shake a part of your body · Brad got up and shook his legs to get all the grass off.· She shook her long blonde hair.shake your head (=move your head from side to side as a way of saying 'no') · Mom shook her head. "You can't go out again at this time of night."shake your fist (at somebody) (=shake your closed hand in front of someone as a way of showing that you are angry) · "Women drivers!" the truck driver yelled, shaking his fist at me.
to move your toes, fingers, bottom etc with a series of small movements: · Karen sat in front of the fire and wiggled her toes.· Marilyn Monroe was able to wiggle her hips in a way that drove men wild.
British to move part of your body, especially your bottom, legs, or toes, from side to side or up and down, with fairly large movements: · The children were told to lie on their backs and waggle their legs in the air.· I've always wanted to be able to waggle my ears.
if a dog wags its tail, it moves its tail from side to side; if a person wags their finger or head, they shake it repeatedly, especially in order to show that they do not like something that someone has done: · A dog wags its tail in order to show friendliness and pleasure.· "You shouldn't have done that!'' Mum said, wagging her finger at me.
to shake hands as a greeting if two people shake hands , they each hold the other person's hand and move it up and down with their own, as a polite or formal greeting: · The two leaders shook hands and walked into the White House.shake hands with: · The picture shows him shaking hands with the Prime Minister.
to behave in a very angry way if someone, especially a child, has or throws a tantrum , they shout angrily and cry, especially because they cannot have what they want: · Whenever it's time for bed she throws a tantrum.· Almost all two-year-olds have tantrums from time to time.
to start a loud angry argument with someone, especially in a public place and in a way that is embarrassing: · Please don't talk so loudly. You're making a scene.· I hate it when people make a scene in public.
a sudden expression of very strong angry feelings, especially because you cannot control your anger any longer: · I was embarrassed by my husband's outburst.· Corbin apologized for his outburst at the meeting.
to hold up your hand with the fingers tightly closed and shake it in order to show that you are angry: · The old man shook his fist angrily at the nurse.
to bring your foot down hard on the ground because you are angry about something: · "Louis, get over here!" Margret demanded, stamping her foot.
to make someone feel less confident if something shakes or damages someone's confidence , it makes them feel unsure of their abilities and less confident: · Being fired really shook his confidence.badly shaken: · Her confidence was badly shaken when she was involved in a car accident a few years ago.
making people feel that they cannot be successful at something they are trying to do, so that they become unwilling to continue with it: · the demoralizing effects of unemployment· Many of the teachers found the school board's criticism unfair and demoralizing.· Rivas says being on welfare was a demoralizing and humiliating experience.
informal to make someone lose their confidence, especially by saying or doing something unexpected: · Last night's defeat has taken some of the wind out of the team's sails.
to make someone feel less confident about something they are trying to achieve: · What discouraged me most was our lack of progress in the pay negotiations.· Although the troubles in the financial markets have made him cautious, Reid said they haven't discouraged him.
making someone feel less confident about something they are trying to achieve: · My father made a few discouraging remarks about my academic abilities that have stayed with me to this day.· Despite discouraging viewing figures for their movie "For the Boys", Paramount decided to try to make another similar film.be discouraging to do something: · It's very discouraging to find out that your own team members have been lying to you.discouraging that: · It is deeply discouraging that the government can struggle with the nation's budget for nearly a year and still fail to achieve anything.
to succeed in escaping from someone who is chasing you to succeed in escaping from someone who is trying to catch you: · It looks as if they've escaped. They're probably over the border by now.· So far the terrorists have managed to escape the police.escape from: · He ducked down an alley to escape from the mob that was chasing him.escape into/across/over etc: · Criminals generally know their neighborhood well, so it's not difficult for them to escape into the back streets.
to escape from someone who is chasing you, especially when there is no chance that you will be caught afterwards: · How could you let him get away!· Police believe the gunmen got away in a white Ford pickup.get away from: · Follow that car and don't let it get away from you.get clean away (=get away completely): · Detectives followed the man as far as the harbour, but then he jumped into a speedboat and got clean away.
informal to escape from someone who is chasing you by tricking them or doing something unexpected: · Watch him very carefully - he might try and give us the slip.· I wanted to talk to her before she left the hotel, but she gave me the slip.
to escape from someone who is chasing you or trying to find you by cleverly doing something that makes it impossible for them to know where you are: · He made the calls from different pay phones around the city to throw the police off the scent.
to escape from someone, especially someone who has been chasing you for a long time, for example by hiding or by going faster than them: shake off somebody: · Mailer disappeared into a dark basement, hoping to shake off the gang.shake somebody off: · You're going to have to drive faster if you want to shake them off.
to successfully escape after a crime, leaving no signs to show where you are: · Police have found the helicopters that the terrorists used to make their getaway.make a clean getaway (=to escape leaving no signs to show where you are): · The robbers hopped into a waiting car and made a clean getaway.
formal to cleverly avoid being found or caught by someone, especially for a long time: · Despite a $25,000 reward on his head, he continues to elude the authorities.elude capture: · Lt. Forney managed to elude capture by enemy forces for several weeks.
to shake your head as a way of saying no · "Shall I give him a message from you?" "Rosalie shook her head. "No, I expect he'll be telephoning me."· Even before I'd finished my sentence, Dad was already shaking his head.· She shook her head. "I'm afraid I don't agree," she said.
to become healthy again after an illness or accident to become healthy again after you have had an illness, injury, or operation: · My mother's been very ill, and is still in hospital recovering.· Sammy needed to recover a little before they could move him to a hospital nearer his home.recover from: · He never really recovered from the operation.fully recover (=completely recover): · It was several months before John had fully recovered from his heart attack.
especially spoken to become healthy again after you have had an illness, injury, or operation: · I hope you get better soon.· My back has been quite bad recently, but it's getting better slowly.· I didn't remember anything about the accident, but little by little, as I got better, memories started coming back to me.
to recover completely, fully, well, or slowly: · The disease has been caught early, and the doctors say she should make a complete recovery.· Thomas is making a good recovery, although he is still quite weak.make a remarkable/amazing recovery: · Joe has made a remarkable recovery from the injuries he sustained in the accident.
to recover from an illness, especially one that is not very serious: · Mark hasn't got over the flu yet. He still feels pretty weak.· I've had a nasty cold, but I'm getting over it now.· The doctor told Mum it was only a stomach upset, not food poisoning, and she would get over it in a day or two.
to recover from an illness - use this especially when you are encouraging someone to recover: · Get well soon -- we all miss you!· I hope you get well quickly.
to feel less ill than you did before: · I hope you feel better soon.· My father's been quite ill, but he's starting to feel a bit better now.
if you or your health improves, you become less ill than you were before but not completely well. Improve is more formal than feel better: · Susie's improving gradually with this new treatment.· My health finally began to improve when I changed to a less stressful job.· She was told to go back to the doctor in two weeks if she hadn't improved.
if someone is on the mend , they are definitely showing signs of getting better after an illness or injury: · I'm glad to see you're on the mend again.· Kathy's been quite ill with flu, but I think she's on the mend now.
to manage to recover from an illness such as a cold or an infection, which you have had for a fairly long time: shake something off: · Towards the end of the year he caught flu, and he couldn't shake it off.shake off something: · It seems to be taking me a long time to shake off this cold.
to make someone feel shocked to make someone feel very surprised and upset: · What really shocked me was that no-one seemed to care about all the beggars.it shocks somebody to see/realize/hear etc: · It shocked us to see how ill she looked.shock somebody into doing something: · I just felt I had to shock her into taking some action.shock somebody into something: · My father was shocked into silence.
if something unpleasant comes as a shock , it makes you feel surprised and upset because you were not expecting it at all: · I know this will come as a shock to you Ray, but try to understand how I feel.· The revelations of child abuse at the home have come as a profound shock to parents and social workers.
if something stuns you, especially a piece of news, it makes you feel so surprised and upset that you cannot speak or do anything immediately afterwards: · Sasha was too stunned by what had happened to say a word.· His words stunned her, and she stared at him in disbelief.
American informal if something unexpected knocks someone for a loop , it shocks or upsets them: · Joanna's resignation really threw me for a loop.· His next question totally knocked me for a loop. He said, "So what makes you think you're good enough to get into law school?"
if an unpleasant experience shakes someone up , they are shocked and upset by it: · Did that lightning shake you up, honey?· Katherine was one of the fairest people you could ever hope to meet, so her criticism really shook me up.
if a piece of news rocks a large group of people or an organization, it shocks them - used especially in news reports: · The scandal has rocked the banking world.· The law firm was rocked by accusations of bribery and dishonesty.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYadverbs
When I heard the news, I was shaken to the core. Dooley stood up and shook his fist in her face. The earthquake shook the foundations of the house. I was shaking with fury. She picked up the envelope and gave it a shake. I was still trembling violently. She was visibly shaken by the news.
· Adam opened the envelope, his hand shaking slightly.
· She found him huddled in a corner, shaking violently.
· His whole body shook uncontrollably.
(=be shaking a lot)· She had been crying, and was still shaking badly.
(=be shaking in a way that other people can see)· He was visibly shaking with anger.
phrases· Both women shook with laughter.
· He stood there shaking with anger.
· She was shaking all over, partly from cold, partly from shock.
(=be shaking a lot because you are nervous or frightened)· Diana was shaking like a leaf when she got up to give her talk.
(=be very nervous)· The president must be shaking in his shoes about Tuesday’s vote.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES· My aunt was shaking with anger as she left the room.
· Ben shook me awake and told me the news.
(=be very upset or frightened)· Both boys were badly shaken by the incident.
(=make them have less confidence)· The stock market fall has shaken the confidence of investors.
(=make it less strong)· A bad experience like that can dent your confidence.
When I heard the news, I was shaken to the core.· He wiped his hands dry with a handkerchief.
· A series of explosions shook the building.
· He was shaking with fear after being held at gunpoint.
Dooley stood up and shook his fist in her face. The earthquake shook the foundations of the house. I was shaking with fury. She picked up the envelope and gave it a shake. (also shake hands with somebody)· ‘Nice to meet you,’ he said, as they shook hands.
· His hands trembled as he lifted the cup.
(=move it from side to side, especially to show disagreement)· ‘It’s too much,’ he said, shaking his head.
· They were shaking with laughter and couldn't even speak.
(=to be extremely nervous)· Just before the audition he was shaking with nerves.
· His wife was shaking with rage.
(=because they are crying or laughing)· His shoulders were shaking and tears of laughter were running down his face.
I was still trembling violently. She was visibly shaken by the news. (=a voice that shakes because someone is very nervous or frightened)· He stood up and began to speak in a trembling voice.
(=sounds unsteady)· His voice shook with anger.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· Stephen saw that Douglas's hands were now shaking badly as he rubbed his face.· He was badly shaken and needed nine stitches in a head injury.· She had been badly shaken up and obviously distressed by the experience.· She had been crying, and was still shaking badly.· July 1944, failed although he was injured and undoubtedly badly shaken.· I was badly shaken by that pact.· An Arab ambassador said he was bruised, looked badly shaken and needed at least two weeks to recover.
· The industry is desperate to shake off the allegation that the chocolate sold in the West may be tainted by slave labour.· Add a few veal shanks at a time and coat well with flour, shaking off any excess. 2.· The grip of neoclassicism seems finally to have been shaken off.· Yet they could not shake off the idea of an adoption, and finally succumbed.· To shake off my depression I thought I would get myself something light to read on the train.· Mom shook off my help and tried the knapsack once again.· Nor did Dorothy quickly shake off a sense of their improbable good fortune.· Dredge rabbit pieces in flour, shaking off excess.
· They are the men and women who start vibrant new companies, turn around failing companies, and shake up staid ones.· She wakes up shaking in anticipation of being eaten alive.· She had been badly shaken up and obviously distressed by the experience.· He tried to shake up the race by resigning his Senate seat and shedding his tie.· The 43-year-old millionaire has been brought in to shake up Central Office.· I was already well-known in classical circles, but this shook up the young generation and made them conscious.· She believes some people will vote Labour to shake up the Conservatives and make them reconsider their policies.· At least something shook up the hall.
· After his Bolton wandering had turned into a rout, some of his staff were visibly shaken.· As he spoke he was still visibly shaken: I let her have it.· He was visibly shaken and seemed genuinely surprised that Charlton was dead.· Wayne Gretzky, visibly shaken, skated over to check on his wife during a 10-minute delay in the game.· When Quinn put down the phone, it was the first time Sam had seen him appear visibly shaken.
NOUN· Such an examination could shake some of the confidence that built in 1995.
· I watch a white Lamborghini Countach trundle past on the street outside and shake my head in disbelief.· He took a step back and shook his head in disbelief.· She shakes her head with disbelief and that famous face blushes scarlet once more.· At times, I could see Father watching from the window, shaking his head in disbelief.· Helen was speechless, and could only shake her head in disbelief.
· It is suggested that merely shaking one's fist at another should not be treated as amounting to threats of violence.· Better to leave your audience wailing in the dark, shaking their fists, some crying How?, others why?· Eighteen years and 110 Tests later he bowed out, with Nemesis unable to resist shaking her fist at him.· Then he spoke roughly once more, shoved the teeth deeper into his pocket and shook his fist at her.· Asshe shook his fist, and advanced threateningly.· Cars honked, brakes screeched, and drivers cursed, shaking fists and pointing digits.· Follow me round muttering and shaking their fists.· In the midst of all this I let go of one handful of weed to shake my fist at him.
· Came like a sudden gust of wind, banging doors in him, shaking him to his foundations.· The money economy shook the foundations of a society composed mainly of lords and peasants.· The thunder seemed to shake the foundations of the building.· Yet even as the competition fades into the history books, something also seems to be shaking the foundations of capitalism.
· Zenor, his hands shaking, also got Bruins forward Adam Oates to give him an autograph.· Tony noticed that her hands were shaking.· My hands shook as I slowly ran the razor over my face, cutting through the cream in even swaths.· As Lisa laid down the phone her hand was shaking.· She fumbles with the papers, and it looks like her hands are shaking.· Some one was pulling at her clothes, a hand shook her shoulder, and then a thumb rolled back her eyelid.· His hands were shaking slightly but he found himself calm.
· Zeno's head shook with fury as he sucked her and bruised her.· I nodded my head yes, shook it no, shrugged, and, I suppose, looked generally baffled and stupid.· Fade on two heads, shaking.· I shake my head as I shake his hand.· I wanted to grab my head and shake the cement out of it.· Rupert threw back his head, shook his black hair and laughed.· Harding, says, bows his head, and shakes hands with McMurphy.
· Her shoulders shook with laughter, her alabaster cheeks flushed with warmth.· Cameron was shaking with laughter, looking on and making no move to help.· Rows and rows of streetlights shaking with laughter.
· But Bobbie couldn't move because her legs were shaking too much.· My legs had begun to shake.· He could feel his legs shaking under him.· My hunger became so great my legs shook.· Her legs were shaking, and she couldn't forget about that confrontation with Julius.· Her mouth went dry, her heart raced, and her legs shook.· Four or five can jar your legs badly and shake your guts up into a momentary dysentery if you land wrong.
· His shoulders shook, and Jean was certain that he was weeping.· Varney had been chuckling about something, his shoulders shaking.· He was sitting on the floor among the cracker wrappings and the crumbs, his shoulders shaking, his eyes tight shut.· Then she was trembling, her shoulders shaking as she began to cry.· When he returned he thought Benedicta was crying, her shoulders were shaking so.· His shoulders were shaking, and tears were scrambling down his crumpled cheeks like lemmings.· He stood quite still, shoulders shaking, tears coursing along the freckles.· Again I cried, my shoulders shaking, producing more fluid than I believed possible.
· His voice is shaken by the tumult of his feelings ... Outside some one touches you ... with a light greeting.· Afraid to trust her voice, Marge simply shook her head.· She was angry, yes, but why was her voice shaking like this?· In a voice that shook in spite of her efforts to control it, she asked if she could see Mrs Blessington-Dalrymple.· He stepped forward and advanced slowly up the ramp, still singing in that voice which shook the rafters.
VERB· They began to shake, for this was too close to hell-fire and witchcraft.· The wind, which had only shrieked in the trees, began to roar and shake the buildings.· She began to shake with reaction as soon as it was done.· My legs had begun to shake.· Jessamy's knees had immediately begun to shake, and she had wheeled round and run out.· A butterfly pupa, hanging from a twig, begins to shake.· Teravainen began shaking his head, but said nothing.
· He spun round with both arms extended, and started to shake his hands vigorously.· Lleland and Edelstein started shaking their heads.· For example, if a Gallup poll goes against the Government, sterling starts to shake.· J., two old government buildings suddenly started shaking.· When your outer thigh starts to shake or hurt, stop.· Remember, if the ground starts shaking, get out of reach of any-thing that can fall on you.· It wells up her perfectly tanned throat and finally she starts to shake, honey blonde hair cascading over slim shoulders.· If I am alone in a room, I get so frightened I start to shake.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► somebody’s voice shakes► shake somebody ↔ down► shake somebody/something ↔ down► shake something ↔ out► shake something ↔ out► shake somebody’s hand/shake hands with somebody► shake somebody’s confidence/beliefs etcPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
- Asshe shook his fist, and advanced threateningly.
- Better to leave your audience wailing in the dark, shaking their fists, some crying How?, others why?
- Eighteen years and 110 Tests later he bowed out, with Nemesis unable to resist shaking her fist at him.
- Follow me round muttering and shaking their fists.
- In the midst of all this I let go of one handful of weed to shake my fist at him.
- It made him laugh to see her standing there, shaking her fist at the departing van.
- She shook her fist as she had at the old man in the lobby.
- Then he spoke roughly once more, shoved the teeth deeper into his pocket and shook his fist at her.
- If we want to get there by 11:00, we'd better shake a leg.
- I stood on my shaking legs, my head on the public phone.
- On shaking legs he began to descend.
- Outside the others were shouting for Kerry to shake a leg.
- The business of the audition is squeezed into all this in less time than it takes to shake a leg.
- "Shall I give him a message from you?" "Rosalie shook her head. "No, I expect he'll be telephoning me."
- Even before I'd finished my sentence, Dad was already shaking his head.
- She shook her head. "I'm afraid I don't agree," she said.
- Ah, good, he has stopped shaking his head.
- And you are laughing again, shaking your head, it's what's-happening-I-don't-believe-this-honey time again.
- Behind Billic, Loulse shook her head.
- Broomhead shook his head in resigned disbelief and set about installing the gramophone in its housing.
- I watch a white Lamborghini Countach trundle past on the street outside and shake my head in disbelief.
- She shook her head, moved it closer to the glass, and the image changed.
- Q.. Do you think the press has given you a fair shake?
- The money economy shook the foundations of a society composed mainly of lords and peasants.
- The thunder seemed to shake the foundations of the building.
- Yet even as the competition fades into the history books, something also seems to be shaking the foundations of capitalism.
- The food we got there was no great shakes.
- At school I was no great shakes at it, or anything.
- Secondly, and crucially, Professor Griff is no great shakes as a rapper.
WORD FAMILYnounshakeshakershakinessadjectiveshakyshakenverbshakeadverbshakily
1
move [intransitive, transitive] to move suddenly from side to side or up and down, usually with a lot of force, or to make something or someone do this: She shook him to wake him up. Shake the bottle before you open it. The whole house started to shake. The car shook as it went over a bump.shake something out of/off/from something She shook the sand out of her shoes (=removed it by shaking).2body [intransitive] if someone shakes, or part of their body shakes, they make small sudden movements from side to side or up and down, especially because they are very frightened, cold, ill etc SYN tremble: The little boy’s hand was shaking.shake with fear/laughter/anger etc I could see my neighbor shaking with laughter. What’s wrong with you? You’re shaking like a leaf (=shaking a lot because you are very nervous or frightened).be shaking in your shoes/boots (=be very nervous) I was shaking in my shoes – I thought he was going to fire me.3shake your head to move your head from side to side as a way of saying no, or to show disapproval, surprise, or sadness: When asked if he wanted anything else, he just shook his head. Mark shook his head in disbelief.4shake somebody’s hand/shake hands with somebody to move someone’s hand up and down with your own hand as a greeting or as a sign you have agreed something: He shook my hand warmly. Wilkins shook hands with him. If we have a deal, let’s shake on it (=show that we have made an agreement by shaking hands).5shock [transitive] to make someone feel very upset or shocked: Kerrie was so shaken by the attack that she won’t go out alone. The murder shook the whole town.6shake somebody’s confidence/beliefs etc to make someone feel less confident, less sure about their beliefs etc: His confidence was badly shaken.7somebody’s voice shakes if someone’s voice is shaking, it is not steady and they sound very worried, angry, or frightened: Her voice was shaking as she announced the news.shake with rage/emotion etc Reg’s voice shook with rage.8shake your fist (at somebody) to show that you are angry by holding up and shaking your tightly closed hand: He shook his fist at the driver of the other car.9shake a leg spoken used to tell someone to hurry, or quickly start doing something: C’mon, shake a leg!COLLOCATIONSadverbsshake slightly· Adam opened the envelope, his hand shaking slightly.shake violently· She found him huddled in a corner, shaking violently.shake uncontrollably· His whole body shook uncontrollably.be shaking badly (=be shaking a lot)· She had been crying, and was still shaking badly.be visibly shaking (=be shaking in a way that other people can see)· He was visibly shaking with anger.phrasesshake with laughter· Both women shook with laughter.shake with anger/fear etc· He stood there shaking with anger.be shaking all over· She was shaking all over, partly from cold, partly from shock.be shaking like a leaf (=be shaking a lot because you are nervous or frightened)· Diana was shaking like a leaf when she got up to give her talk.be shaking in your shoes/boots (=be very nervous)· The president must be shaking in his shoes about Tuesday’s vote.THESAURUSpersonshake if a person or part of their body shakes, they make small sudden continuous movements from side to side or up and down, especially because they are very frightened, cold, ill etc: · Suddenly he started to shake. ‘Don’t ever scare me like that again!’ he whispered.· The poor girl was shaking.shudder to shake for a short time, especially because you think of something very unpleasant, or because you feel frightened or cold: · Corbett shuddered when he thought of what might have happened to them.· I shuddered when I read the article.· He was still shuddering with the cold.· She clung to him, shuddering with emotion.tremble to shake slightly in a way that you cannot control, especially because you are frightened, worried, or angry: · Ernest opened the letter in silence, his hands trembling.· Her whole body trembled with fear.· He hadn’t dared to move. He was trembling with shock.· ‘I won’t be coming back,’ she said, her body trembling with anger.shiver to shake slightly, especially only a few times, because you are cold or frightened: · She shivered, pulling her coat closer around herself.· You make me shiver when you talk like that.quiver especially literary to shake slightly and continuously because you are very worried or excited – used especially about someone’s lips, mouth, or body: · Her bottom lip began to quiver, and she turned away to hide her tears.· Alice’s eyes began to fill with tears and her mouth quivered. ‘I 'm going away,’ she said.wobble to move unsteadily from side to side: · Mrs Hamilton wobbled precariously on her high heels.rock to move gently backwards and forwards or from side to side: · He rocked to and fro in his chair.object/vehicle/the ground etcshake to move suddenly from side to side or up and down, usually with a lot of force: · The floor shook from a distant explosion.· The walls were still shaking.· The trees were shaking in the wind.rattle to shake and make a noise: · The windows rattled in the wind.· The train was rattling over the bridge.vibrate to shake continuously with small fast movements: · The music was so loud that the whole room vibrated.· The atoms vibrate at different frequencies.wobble to move unsteadily from side to side: · The bike began to wobble alarmingly as she fought to control it.· The cup wobbled and he grabbed it to stop it from falling.rock to move gently backwards and forwards or from side to side: · The trailer rocked in the wind.· The boat was rocking from side to side with the waves.shudder (also judder especially British English) if a vehicle or machine shudders, it shakes for a short time.: · The lift shuddered then began to descend.· The engine shuddered into life (=it shook and then started working).· The car juddered to a halt (=it shook and then stopped) outside the house.shake down phrasal verb1shake somebody ↔ down American English informal to get money from someone by using threats: Corrupt officials were shaking down local business owners.2shake somebody/something ↔ down American English informal to search a person or place thoroughly3if a new situation or arrangement shakes down, people start to get used to it and it becomes more effective: The restructure has shaken down, and staff are showing a new sense of purpose.shake somebody/something ↔ off phrasal verb1to get rid of an illness, problem etc: I can’t seem to shake off this cold.shake off your image/reputation as something Outside investment has helped Sheridan to shake off its image as a depressed industrial town.2to escape from someone who is chasing you: I think we’ve shaken them off.shake out phrasal verb1shake something ↔ out to shake a cloth, a bag, a sheet etc so that any small pieces of dirt, dust etc come off: He shook out the handkerchief and put it back in his pocket.2if an organization or industry shakes out, it becomes calmer after a difficult period of time: He’ll look for bargains after the real estate market shakes out.3shake something ↔ out to change a situation by removing things from it that are not useful or that do not make a profit: As the airline industry shakes out all but the very fittest, catering companies could face serious troubles.shake somebody/something ↔ up phrasal verb1to give someone a very unpleasant shock, so that they feel very upset and frightened: She was badly shaken up by the accident. → shaken2to make changes to an organization in order to make it more effective SYN overhaul: the government’s plans to shake up the educational system → shakeupshake1 verbshake2 noun
shakeshake2 ●●○ noun EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
- At 4 a. m., he drinks a protein shake with four more dietary supplements and six amino acids.
- At first light I gave Taff a shake and presented him with a mug of tea.
- For those who know nothing of the quick-step, the shake or the twist, there is a late night disco.
- Got ta love the pineapple shake too.
- He picked up the envelope and gave it a bit of a shake.
- She dropped the pillow back into place and gave herself a shake.
Longman Language Activatorwhen things shake
if something shakes , it makes very small quick movements from side to side or up and down: · Ed was playing his music so loud that the whole house shook.· Suddenly the ground beneath my feet began to shake.· The car slowed down, shook for a moment and then stopped.
to shake and repeatedly hit against something else, making a continuous noise: · The windows were rattling in the wind.· I woke up to the sound of cups and plates rattling, and knew that Dad was already up.
if something wobbles , it moves from side to side because it is not steady or not well balanced: · The chair wobbled under her weight and then fell over.· Jerry came in carrying a tray of glasses that were wobbling alarmingly.
to shake continuously with very small, very fast movements, for example because of the effects of a very loud noise: · Some insects' wings vibrate so fast that the movement is invisible to the human eye.vibrate to: · Everything in the room was vibrating to the beat of the drum.
if something such as a piece of machinery or a vehicle shudders , it shakes uncontrollably with very small movements: · Our house was so close to the railway that you could feel it shudder every time a train went by.shudder to a halt (=shake a lot and then stop): · The train shuddered to a halt at the station.
especially British if something judders , it shakes with small, quick movements, especially because something is stopping it moving freely or smoothly: · Jackson took his Land Rover off the track and it juddered over 15 metres of grass.· The elevator doors juddered open when we reached the fifth floor.judder to a halt (=shake a lot and then stop): · Something was obviously wrong with the car and eventually it just juddered to a halt.
to move up and down or from side to side with sudden large movements - use this especially about a vehicle or machine that is not working well or moving smoothly: · Our coach jolted and stopped. Then it started again.jolt along/over/through etc: · He ran down the hill, the backpack jolting from side to side on his back.jolt to a halt/stop: · Everyone was alarmed when the elevator jolted to a halt.
when your body, hand etc shakes if you shake , your body makes small quick uncontrolled movements, for example because you are frightened, nervous, or angry: · My hands were shaking so much I could hardly write my name on the exam paper.shake with fear/anger/laughter etc (=shake because you are frightened, angry etc): · The others were all shaking with laughter.
to shake very slightly, especially because you are frightened or upset: · Jane's lip began to tremble and I though she was going to cry.· The dog sat trembling in a corner.tremble with anger/emotion/fear etc: · Polly hid behind the door, trembling with fear.
to shake because you are cold, or because of an emotion such as fear: · Julia shivered and pulled her coat more tightly around her.· You're shivering! Do you want to go indoors?shiver with excitement/fear/horror etc: · Lizzy looked out at the thick snow and shivered with excitement.
to shake uncontrollably for a short moment, especially because the idea of something is very unpleasant or upsetting: · Dave tried to kiss Julia but she shuddered and turned away.· I shuddered to think of my son all alone in New York.
if a part of your body twitches , it makes a very small, sudden movement, especially when you do not want this to happen but you cannot control it: · Mac was very nervous. A muscle on his face began to twitch.· Roberta's mouth twitched as she tried to stop herself laughing out loud.
to shake so slightly that it is difficult for other people to notice, especially because you are very excited, nervous, or angry: · John's hands were quivering as he put down his papers and started his speech.quiver with anger/excitement/fear etc: · The children stood there quivering with excitement as I opened the package.
when your body shakes violently and uncontrollably because you are very ill: have convulsions: · The baby was sweating and crying. She started to have convulsions again.go into convulsions: · Andrew died after taking the drug, which had caused him to go into convulsions.
to make something shake to make something move up and down or from side to side with small quick movements: · Shake the bottle before you open it.· She shook the blanket to get rid of all the dust.· The huge explosion shook houses up to five miles away.
to make a place or object shake - use this especially about loud noises or strong movements or explosions: · The music was so loud that it made the floor shake.· Every time a train passed it made the whole house shake.
especially British to hold something and shake it a few times: · I gave the box a shake to see if there was anything inside.· Martha took the tablecloth outside and gave it a good shake.
to shake a liquid quickly - use this especially in technical or scientific contexts: · Mix the two solutions together and agitate the bottle.·
to shake a part of your body · Brad got up and shook his legs to get all the grass off.· She shook her long blonde hair.shake your head (=move your head from side to side as a way of saying 'no') · Mom shook her head. "You can't go out again at this time of night."shake your fist (at somebody) (=shake your closed hand in front of someone as a way of showing that you are angry) · "Women drivers!" the truck driver yelled, shaking his fist at me.
to move your toes, fingers, bottom etc with a series of small movements: · Karen sat in front of the fire and wiggled her toes.· Marilyn Monroe was able to wiggle her hips in a way that drove men wild.
British to move part of your body, especially your bottom, legs, or toes, from side to side or up and down, with fairly large movements: · The children were told to lie on their backs and waggle their legs in the air.· I've always wanted to be able to waggle my ears.
if a dog wags its tail, it moves its tail from side to side; if a person wags their finger or head, they shake it repeatedly, especially in order to show that they do not like something that someone has done: · A dog wags its tail in order to show friendliness and pleasure.· "You shouldn't have done that!'' Mum said, wagging her finger at me.
to shake hands as a greeting if two people shake hands , they each hold the other person's hand and move it up and down with their own, as a polite or formal greeting: · The two leaders shook hands and walked into the White House.shake hands with: · The picture shows him shaking hands with the Prime Minister.
WORD SETSabsinth, nounalcohol, nounale, nounalehouse, nounaperitif, nounbaby milk, nounbar, nounbarfly, nounbarhop, verbbarkeeper, nounbarley wine, nounbarmaid, nounbarman, nounbartender, nounbeef tea, nounbeer, nounbenedictine, nounbeverage, nounbibulous, adjectivebistro, nounbitter, nounblack, adjectivebootleg, verbbooze, nounboozer, nounbooze-up, nounboozing, nounboozy, adjectivebottle, verbbouquet, nounbourbon, nounbrandy, nounbreathe, verbbrew, verbbrew, nounbrewer, nounbrewery, nounbroach, verbBuck's Fizz, nounburgundy, nounbuttermilk, nouncamomile, nouncappuccino, nouncarbonated, adjectivecask, nouncellar, nounchalice, nounchampagne, nounchampers, nounchar, nounchartreuse, nounchaser, nounChelsea bun, nounchocolate, nouncider, nounclaret, nounclub soda, nouncoaster, nounCoca-Cola, cocktail, nouncocktail lounge, nouncocktail shaker, nouncocktail stick, nouncocktail waitress, nouncocoa, nouncoffee, nouncoffee bar, nouncoffee bean, nouncoffee machine, nouncoffeemaker, nouncoffee mill, nouncognac, nouncola, nounconsommé, nouncordial, nouncork, nouncork, verbcorkage, nouncorked, adjectivecorkscrew, nouncorn whiskey, nouncrème de menthe, nouncup, nouncuppa, nouncuraçao, noundaiquiri, noundecaf, noundecaffeinated, adjectivedecanter, noundessert wine, noundipsomaniac, noundissipated, adjectivedissipation, noundissolute, adjectivedistiller, noundistillery, noundram, noundraught, noundregs, noundried milk, noundrink, verbdrink, noundrinkable, adjectivedrinking fountain, noundrinking-up time, noundrinking water, noundrinks machine, noundrinks party, noundrop, noundry, adjectiveDutch courage, nounespresso, nounethyl alcohol, nounferment, verbfinger, nounfizz, nounflat, adjectivefloat, nounfortified wine, nounfroth, nounfroth, verbfrothy, adjectivefull-cream, adjectiveGandT, noungassy, adjectivegin, noungin and tonic, nounginger ale, nounginger beer, nounglass, noungreen tea, noungrenadine, noungrog, noungumbo, nounhalf, nounhalf-and-half, nounhangover, nounhappy hour, nounhead, nounhighball, nounhip flask, nounhock, nounhogshead, nounhome brew, nounhooch, nounhot chocolate, nounice bucket, nounice cube, nounice water, nouninfuse, verbinfusion, nounintoxicant, nounintoxicating, adjectiveIrish coffee, nounjar, nounjigger, nounjuice, nounkeg, nounkirsch, nounlace, verblager, nounlandlord, nounlemon, nounlemonade, nounlicensed, adjectivelicensing laws, nounlight, adjectivelight ale, nounlimeade, nounliqueur, nounliquor, nounlite, adjectivelocal, nounlounge bar, nounMadeira, nounmagnum, nounmalt, nounmalted, nounmalt liquor, nounmaraschino, nounmargarita, nounMartini, nounmash, nounmature, adjectivemature, verbmead, nounmeasure, nounmellow, verbmilk, nounmilk shake, nounmilky, adjectivemineral water, nounmint julep, nounmix, verbmixer, nounmocha, nounmoonshine, nounmulled wine, nounneat, adjectivenectar, nounnightcap, nounnip, nounnoggin, nounnon-alcoholic, adjectiveoff-licence, nounopen bar, nounorangeade, nounouzo, nounpale ale, nounparalytic, adjectivepasteurized, adjectivepercolate, verbperk, verbperry, nounpick-me-up, nounpiña colada, nounpink gin, nounpint, nounplonk, nounpop, nounport, nounporter, nounprohibitionist, nounproof, nounpunch, nounquaff, verbrake, nounrat-arsed, adjectivered, nounrefill, nounrefreshment, nounretsina, nounring-pull, nounroot beer, nounrosé, nounrotgut, nounrum, nounrye, nounsake, nounsaloon, nounsangria, nounsarsaparilla, nounschnapps, nounScotch, nounscrewdriver, nounscrumpy, nounsediment, nounsemi-skimmed milk, nounshake, nounshaker, nounshandy, nounshebeen, nounsherry, nounshort, nounshot, nounsiphon, nounsix-pack, nounskimmed milk, nounslimline, adjectivesloe gin, nounslug, nounslush, nounsnifter, nounsoda, nounsoda siphon, nounsoda water, nounsoft drink, nounsparkling, adjectivespeakeasy, nounspike, verbspirit, nounsplash, nounspritzer, nounsquash, nounstein, nounstewed, adjectivestill, adjectivestill, nounstout, nounstraight, adjectivestraw, nounsundowner, nounsup, verbswig, verbswill, verbswizzle stick, nountab, nountable wine, nountall, adjectivetankard, nountavern, nountea, nounteabag, nounteahouse, nountea leaves, nountearoom, nountea shop, nountea urn, nountemperance, nountequila, nountied house, nountippler, nountoddy, nountonic, nountop-up, nountot, nounTurkish coffee, nountwo-percent milk, nounUHT milk, noununcork, verbvermouth, nounvintage, adjectivevintage, nounvintner, nounvodka, nounwater, verbwatering hole, nounweak, adjectivewet bar, nounwhisky, nounwhite, adjectivewine cooler, nounwrecked, adjectiveyeast, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Give the bottle a good shake before use. He refused with a shake of the head (=a movement of the head from side to side to mean ‘no’). If I don’t smoke, I get the shakes.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES When I heard the news, I was shaken to the core. Dooley stood up and shook his fist in her face. The earthquake shook the foundations of the house. I was shaking with fury. She picked up the envelope and gave it a shake. I was still trembling violently. She was visibly shaken by the news.
Give the bottle a good shake before use. He refused with a shake of the head (=a movement of the head from side to side to mean ‘no’). If I don’t smoke, I get the shakes.· My aunt was shaking with anger as she left the room.
· Ben shook me awake and told me the news.
(=be very upset or frightened)· Both boys were badly shaken by the incident.
(=make them have less confidence)· The stock market fall has shaken the confidence of investors.
(=make it less strong)· A bad experience like that can dent your confidence.
When I heard the news, I was shaken to the core.· He wiped his hands dry with a handkerchief.
· A series of explosions shook the building.
· He was shaking with fear after being held at gunpoint.
Dooley stood up and shook his fist in her face. The earthquake shook the foundations of the house. I was shaking with fury. She picked up the envelope and gave it a shake. (also shake hands with somebody)· ‘Nice to meet you,’ he said, as they shook hands.
· His hands trembled as he lifted the cup.
(=move it from side to side, especially to show disagreement)· ‘It’s too much,’ he said, shaking his head.
· They were shaking with laughter and couldn't even speak.
(=to be extremely nervous)· Just before the audition he was shaking with nerves.
· His wife was shaking with rage.
(=because they are crying or laughing)· His shoulders were shaking and tears of laughter were running down his face.
I was still trembling violently. She was visibly shaken by the news. (=a voice that shakes because someone is very nervous or frightened)· He stood up and began to speak in a trembling voice.
(=sounds unsteady)· His voice shook with anger.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· Q.. Do you think the press has given you a fair shake?
· I get hold of her shoulders and give her a good shake.· Give both jars a good shake and repeat the shake periodically.· Body positions, lineout techniques, defensive alignments, all need a good shake down.· Give them a good shake, in case an interesting piece of paper has been used as a bookmark.· Do this the day before you intend to fish, and give them a good shake every time you walk past them.
· At school I was no great shakes at it, or anything.· No great shakes in story or gags, but fun throughout.· Secondly, and crucially, Professor Griff is no great shakes as a rapper.· I hadn't been any great shakes at boxing, but I'd thought as a young man that I might be.· It is very simply made and no great shakes as a piece of cinema.
NOUN· It was not until she stood up to shake hands that Julia saw that she was pregnant.· When Jefferson defeated Adams for the presidency, Adams left town before the inauguration rather than shake hands with him.· Anna and William stand and shake hands formally Well, it was nice to meet you.· One time after a close loss, I told him I felt lousy and I didn't want to go shake hands.· Ma and Father shake hands with everyone and look as if they are having a wonderful time.· Eventually she literally dragged him up to shake hands.· McCready did not embrace or even shake hands.
· They are vital for cleaning machinery tubes and spouts from vending machines and milk shake dispensers to full blown process machinery.
VERB· He said he's still got the shakes almost 2 years later.· He said she acted erratic, got the shakes one evening and almost had a nervous breakdown.· I fantasise about him and get the shakes when he's in the room.
· But as she opened her mouth to suggest it, she gave herself a mental shake.· Q.. Do you think the press has given you a fair shake?· At first light I gave Taff a shake and presented him with a mug of tea.· Tia Carmen reached out and gave his arm a shake.· She got out of the bath and gave herself a mental shake as she quickly towelled herself dry.· It gives her the shakes and ruins her concentration.· She gave herself a little shake.· The man and woman were giving it a shake and preparing to fold it.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► in a couple of shakes/two shakesPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
- Q.. Do you think the press has given you a fair shake?
- And then it happened again, and Kate had another twenty-four hours of the shakes.
- He said he's still got the shakes almost 2 years later.
- He said she acted erratic, got the shakes one evening and almost had a nervous breakdown.
- I downplay the sweats, the shakes, the fever.
- I was put on Heminephrin - it helps to stop the shakes and the sweats.
- It gives her the shakes and ruins her concentration.
- Still feel the shakes, rattles and rolls?
- He's no great shakes as a singer.
- At school I was no great shakes at it, or anything.
- It is very simply made and no great shakes as a piece of cinema.
- Secondly, and crucially, Professor Griff is no great shakes as a rapper.
- Q.. Do you think the press has given you a fair shake?
- The money economy shook the foundations of a society composed mainly of lords and peasants.
- The thunder seemed to shake the foundations of the building.
- Yet even as the competition fades into the history books, something also seems to be shaking the foundations of capitalism.
- The food we got there was no great shakes.
- At school I was no great shakes at it, or anything.
- Secondly, and crucially, Professor Griff is no great shakes as a rapper.
WORD FAMILYnounshakeshakershakinessadjectiveshakyshakenverbshakeadverbshakily
1[countable] if you give something a shake, you move it up and down or from side to side: Give the bottle a good shake before use. He refused with a shake of the head (=a movement of the head from side to side to mean ‘no’).2[countable] a cold drink made from milk, ice cream, and fruit or chocolate SYN milk shake: a strawberry shake3the shakes nervous shaking of your body caused by illness, fear, too much alcohol, not getting a drug you are dependent on etc: If I don’t smoke, I get the shakes.4in a couple of shakes/two shakes informal very soon: I’ll be back in two shakes.5no great shakes spoken not very skilful, or not very good: He’s no great shakes as a singer.6get/give somebody a fair shake informal to get or give someone fair treatment