ENGLISH
REFERENCE

give one's head a shake

idiom
Meaning

To reassess the common sense of one's behaviour, ideas, etc.


Examples
SIMPLE

You need to give your head a shake and stop acting like that.

CONTEXTUAL

If you think you can finish this project in one hour, you should give your head a shake.

COMPLEX

Before making such a reckless investment, he really ought to give his head a shake and consider the long-term consequences.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

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