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Phrase Meanings » shake up
What does "shake up" mean?
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Agitate in order to mix or loosen, as in This cough medicine needs to be thoroughly shaken up, or Please shake up these pillows.
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Upset greatly, as in Even though no one was hurt, he was greatly shaken up by the accident. This usage alludes to being agitated like a liquid being shaken. Also see all shook up. [Late 1800s]
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Subject to drastic rearrangement or reorganization, as in New management was bent on shaking up each division.
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