shake one's head
The phrase "shake one's head" commonly refers to a gesture used to convey various forms of non-verbal communication, primarily disagreement or negation.
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Definition
A2General Communication
(common)Move the head from side to side to indicate disagreement, disapproval, or disbelief.
Example
- When asked if he wanted more food, he shook his head.
B1Cultural Variations
(cultural)In some cultures, moving the head side to side means agreement, while up and down means disagreement.
Example
- In Bulgaria, shaking your head can mean 'yes.'
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "shake one's head":