ENGLISH
REFERENCE

shake a stick at

idiom
Meaning

Disparage; rail against.


Examples
SIMPLE

There are more coffee shops here than you can shake a stick at.

CONTEXTUAL

The city has more museums than you can shake a stick at, so you will never be bored.

COMPLEX

In the aftermath of the gold rush, there were more prospectors than one could shake a stick at, all hoping to strike it rich.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    beat off with a stick

    To reject (a person making an unwanted amorous approach).

  2. 02

    beat with the ugly stick

    Used to describe someone who is particularly ugly or unattractive.

  3. 03

    brace of shakes

    A very short time.

  4. 04

    carrot and stick

    The simultaneous rewarding of good behavior and punishing of bad behavior.

  5. 05

    clue stick

    A metaphorical stick used to beat information or understanding into a slow learner.

  6. 06

    fair shake

    Reasonable, unbiased treatment; a fair deal.

  7. 07

    get on the stick

    To get started; to begin working; to become active.

  8. 08

    get stuck in

    To dedicate a large amount of effort towards.

Last updated April 17, 2026