# shake the plum tree

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/shake-the-plum-tree
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To obtain a source of advantage, such as for political favors or appointments.

## Examples

- He needs to shake the plum tree to get that promotion.
- The candidate began to shake the plum tree, calling every influential contact he knew to secure a government appointment.
- By leveraging his long-standing connections within the administration, the lobbyist hoped to shake the plum tree and secure lucrative contracts for his clients.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.