The sudden news really shook me up.
shake up
idiomTo upset or distress (a person).
The car accident was minor, but it still shook him up for the rest of the day.
Witnessing such a violent confrontation in the quiet street shook up the neighbors, leaving them feeling vulnerable and anxious for several days afterward.
- 01
brace of shakes
A very short time.
- 02
fair shake
Reasonable, unbiased treatment; a fair deal.
- 03
give one's head a shake
To reassess the common sense of one's behaviour, ideas, etc.
- 04
more than you can shake a stick at
Alternative form of more than one can shake a stick at.
- 05
no great shakes
Something unexceptional, not noteworthy or special.
- 06
shake a leg
To get busy; to get going; to be productive.
- 07
shake a stick at
Disparage; rail against.
- 08
shake like a leaf
To tremble, as with fear, cold, etc.; to shiver.
Last updated April 17, 2026