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Phrase Meanings » shake down
What does "shake down" mean?
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Extort money from, as in They had quite a racket, shaking down merchants for so-called protection. [Slang; second half of 1800s]
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Make a thorough search of, as in They shook down all the passengers, looking for drugs. [Slang early 1900s]
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Subject a new vehicle or machine to a tryout, as in We'll shake down the new model next week.
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Become acclimated or accustomed, to a new place, job, or the like, as in Is this your first job? You'll soon shake down. [Mid-1800s]
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