Shake (someone) Down Idiom American Expressions and American Idioms - What does Shake (someone) Down Idiom mean?

This database is a comprehensive collection of all the American idioms and slang available. American Idioms are many and varied. We hope you enjoy our collection. We are adding more all the time. .

shake (someone) down What does shake (someone) down mean?	to get money by threatening someone	The gangsters shook the small shop owners down to get some money.
shake (someone) down What does shake (someone) down mean?	to blackmail or extract money from someone	The gang tried to shake down the owner of the small store.
	Some Random Idioms
A problem shared is a problem halved What does "A problem shared is a problem halved" mean?	If you talk about your problems, it will make you feel better.

teach one's grandmother to suck eggs What does "teach one's grandmother to suck eggs" mean?	to try to tell someone who has more knowledge than you how to do something	I tried to teach my friend something about computers but he is a computer expert. It was like teaching my grandmother to suck eggs.
flash What does "flash" mean?	a sudden idea or memory.	I had a flash of inspiration this morning.
hurl What does "hurl" mean?	throw up; vomit
freak out What does "freak out" mean?	to become angry or lose control of oneself	I freaked out when I discovered that my reservation had not been made.
a come-down What does "a come-down" mean?	a lowering in status or income or influence or energy	My friend's new job is a come-down from her last one and she is not very happy.
in step with (someone or something) What does "in step with (someone or something)" mean?	marching with the same rhythm as someone else, in agreement with the others in a group	All of the members of our group were in step with each other regarding the New Year's party.
A day late and a dollar short What does "A day late and a dollar short" mean?	If something is a day late and a dollar short, it is too little, too late.

extenuating circumstances What does "extenuating circumstances" mean?	the special circumstances that cause something to happen	We were able to avoid paying the parking ticket because of extenuating circumstances.
(one's) hands are tied What does "(one's) hands are tied" mean?	one is unable to help	I am sorry that I can`t help you but my hands are tied at the moment.
swift What does "swift" mean?	clever; intelligent; smart.	You're not too swift, are you?
what in the fucking hell What does "what in the fucking hell" mean?	what? (used to indicate anger or surprise)
chicken and egg situation What does "chicken and egg situation" mean?	two things happen together and it is difficult to see which one of them caused the other	It was a chicken and egg situation and it was difficult to know who caused the problems with the computer.

American Idioms and Expressions

Shake (someone) Down Idiom