shake off the constraints

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shake off the constraints" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of freeing oneself from limitations or restrictions, whether they are physical, mental, or societal. Example: "In order to achieve her dreams, she knew she had to shake off the constraints that held her back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Cox believes Britain needs to shake off the constraints of EU membership to flourish.

The Guardian - Business

It offers a chance for a new generation of young science writers to raise their profile, shake off the constraints of impostor syndrome, and develop the itch for science writing that constantly plagues the best of writers.

The Guardian

The profusion of hothouse colors and patterns popping up on New York streets this month suggests a new buoyancy, as women shake off the constraints of a lingering recession and stock up on fashions more lively and vivid than they've seen in years.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But once you shake off the constraint of it having to look like a car, you can envisage a very different vehicle: it could look like a small room where people do what they want while the car is moving.

The Guardian - Tech

"We shake off the corsets and diets".

The New York Times

But like the cross-cultural changelings in Mukherjee's previous novels, Tara is struggling to shake off the Old World constraints of class, female deference and fate.

The New York Times - Books

Kressler shakes off the suggestion.

Vice

Markus shakes off the suggestion.

Vice

Less confined by the constraints of rock'n'roll and determined to shake off the Clash's formidable legacy, Jones – the member who brought hip-hop into the Clash and wrote their sole No 1 single – set out to create a sound that utilised the emerging technologies used by dance and rap music and took a more multimedia approach to their presentation.

The Guardian - Music

Most of all, shake, shake, shake off the guilt.

The New York Times

Wade could shake off the cobwebs.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "shake off the constraints" when you want to convey a sense of actively and decisively freeing oneself from limitations that are perceived as burdensome or restrictive. It implies a positive move towards greater freedom or flexibility.

Common error

Avoid using "shake off the constraints" when a simple adjustment or minor change is all that's needed. This phrase suggests a more significant effort to break free from substantial limitations, not trivial inconveniences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shake off the constraints" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of actively removing or freeing oneself from limitations. Ludwig AI examples showcase its usage in various contexts, from business to personal growth, emphasizing a deliberate effort to achieve greater freedom.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shake off the constraints" is a verb phrase used to describe the act of actively freeing oneself from limitations. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for expressing a desire for greater freedom or flexibility. While its frequency is uncommon, the phrase is versatile and can be used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. Related phrases include "break free from limitations" and "cast aside restrictions". When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context warrants the implication of a significant effort to overcome substantial limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Free oneself from limitations

Highlights the act of self-liberation from constraints.

Liberate oneself from boundaries

Similar to freeing oneself, but emphasizes the concept of boundaries.

Break free from limitations

Emphasizes a more forceful and decisive removal of limitations.

Cast aside restrictions

Suggests a deliberate and intentional act of discarding restrictions.

Get rid of restrictions

A more colloquial way of saying to remove limitations.

Overcome restrictions

Focuses on successfully dealing with and surpassing limitations.

Transcend limitations

Implies rising above and exceeding the boundaries of limitations.

Disentangle from restrictions

Suggests a gradual and careful process of separating from restrictions.

Release oneself from obligations

Specifically refers to freeing oneself from duties or commitments.

Eschew constraints

Formal term for deliberately avoiding constraints.

FAQs

How can I use "shake off the constraints" in a sentence?

You can use "shake off the constraints" to describe a deliberate effort to free oneself from limitations. For example: "The company needed to "shake off the constraints" of its old business model to innovate effectively."

What does it mean to "shake off the constraints"?

To "shake off the constraints" means to actively remove or disregard limitations that are holding you back. It implies a deliberate and forceful effort to achieve greater freedom or flexibility.

Which is more appropriate, "shake off the constraints" or "remove the constraints"?

"Shake off the constraints" suggests a more vigorous and intentional effort to free oneself, whereas "remove the constraints" is a more neutral and general way of expressing the removal of limitations.

What are some alternatives to using "shake off the constraints"?

Alternatives include "break free from limitations", "cast aside restrictions", or "free oneself from limitations", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.