shake down
"Shake down" has diverse meanings ranging from extortion to thorough searching and testing, depending on the context.
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Definition
C1Crime
(informal, slang)To force someone to give money, often through threats or intimidation.
Example
- The mobster tried to shake down the store owner for protection money.
B2Inspection
(informal, slang)To search someone or something thoroughly, often for hidden items.
Example
- The security team shook down all the bags before allowing entry.
B2Testing
(technical)To test or adjust new equipment or systems to ensure proper function.
Example
- The engineers need to shake down the new software before its release.
B2Organization
To become organized or settled after a period of change.
Example
- It took a few weeks for the new team to shake down and work efficiently.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "shake down":
shake outshake upshake offshook upshake and bakeshake that monkeythrow downbrace of shakesbreak downblow downknock downsmash downshake handsrake outshove downbeat downloosen upshake one's headfall downlower the boomget down