shook down

USAGE SUMMARY

"shook down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of causing something to fall off or out of a structure or container by shaking or jolting it. Example: The strong winds shook down leaves from the trees, covering the ground in a colorful blanket.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

By Mollie Panter-Downes The New Yorker, January 15 , 1949P. 69 1949 shook down an unusually interesting crop of names in the traditional New Year Honours list of awards to outstanding citizens of the British Commonwealth.

The New Yorker

And when it shook down, it was quite a wonderfully eclectic mix of people.

The New York Times

Sometimes they set up unofficial checkpoints and shook down motorists, taking cash or cellphones.

The New York Times

He also shook down Jews in exchange for certificates of non-Jewishness.

The New York Times - Books

They ruled through brigands who operated highway checkpoints where they shook down civilians, and sometimes kidnapped them.

The New Yorker

As a bakery delivery boy, he shook down customers for extra cash.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

So things will have shaken down".

The Guardian - Books

So how will things shake down?

The Guardian - Sport

There's no money tree shaking down on me".

The New York Times

"It's like a baseball team shaking down season ticketholders".

The New York Times - Arts

"His campaign has even shaken down nurses for contributions".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shook down" to describe extortion, ensure the context clearly indicates coercion or threat. Avoid using it in situations where a voluntary exchange is taking place.

Common error

Avoid using "shook down" when describing legitimate fundraising or donation requests. This phrase implies an abuse of power or intimidation that is not present in voluntary contributions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "shook down" is that of a phrasal verb, specifically used in a transitive sense, where it requires an object to complete its meaning. Ludwig AI shows examples where it describes actions involving coercion or extraction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shook down" functions as a phrasal verb typically used to describe extortion or coercion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it commonly appears in neutral contexts like news reporting, but the underlying meaning implies unethical or illegal actions. Related phrases include "extorted from" and "demanded payment from". While grammatically correct, using it accurately requires understanding the implied power dynamic and avoiding its application in legitimate or voluntary contexts. Its prevalence in journalistic sources suggests a broad understanding, though formality should be considered in specific writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extorted from

Focuses specifically on the act of obtaining something through coercion or force.

coerced into giving

Emphasizes the element of pressure and lack of willingness in the act of giving something.

demanded payment from

Highlights the forceful nature of the request for payment.

extracted money from

Focuses on the removal of money, often through unscrupulous means.

forced to pay

Simplifies the concept to the basic action of being compelled to pay.

fleeced

Uses a more informal term to describe the act of defrauding someone.

intimidated into giving

Highlights the role of intimidation in obtaining something.

obtained by threat

Emphasizes the use of threats as a means of acquisition.

strong-armed

Uses a more figurative term to describe the act of using force or pressure.

pressured for contributions

Focuses on the act of applying pressure to obtain contributions.

FAQs

How can I use "shook down" in a sentence?

You can use "shook down" to describe someone extorting money or valuables from another, such as: "The corrupt officials "shook down" local businesses for protection money."

What's a less accusatory way to say someone "shook down" someone?

Depending on the context, you might use "pressured for contributions" if the action is more subtle or framed as a request, though this softens the implication of extortion.

Is "shook down" formal or informal?

"Shook down" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "extorted from" or "demanded payment from".

What does it mean to say someone "shook down" a business?

To ""shook down"" a business typically means they used threats or intimidation to extract money or other valuables from the business owner.