shake down

B2 informal separable transitive

In simple words

To threaten someone into giving you money, or to test something new to make sure it works, or to search someone completely.

Literal meaning: To shake something downward so that loose items fall out — used figuratively for extracting money from someone or testing equipment until faults appear.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic slang

uncommon

To extort or demand money from someone through intimidation or threats.

"Local gang members were shaking down shop owners for 'protection money' every month."

Grammar: separable

2 C1 idiomatic neutral

uncommon

To test new equipment, a vehicle, or a system thoroughly to identify problems before full use.

"The crew spent a week shaking down the new vessel before the Atlantic crossing."

Grammar: separable

3 B2 idiomatic informal

uncommon

To search a person or a place thoroughly, especially by police or security forces.

"The guards shook down every prisoner after the contraband was discovered."

Grammar: separable

Usage notes

The extortion sense is primarily American English informal/slang. The 'test run' sense (shakedown cruise, shakedown flight) is common in technical and military contexts. The noun 'shakedown' covers all these meanings.

Commonly used with

money businesses vessel aircraft procedure suspects

Forms

Base

shake down

I/you/we/they

3rd person

shakes down

he/she/it

Past simple

shook down

yesterday

Past participle

shaken down

have + pp

-ing form

shaking down

continuous

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