shake a/the habit

1. slang To overcome an addiction, typically to drugs. It took gum, patches, and counseling, but I've finally shaken the habit—no more cigarettes. Unfortunately, the nature of addiction means that shaking the habit isn't as simple as just wanting to stop.

2. To stop any kind of habitual behavior. I had a hard time shaking the habit of snoozing my alarm every morning.

shake in (one's) boots

To tremble with fear. Often used sarcastically. My brother is so strong and scary-looking that people shake in their boots when he threatens them. Ooh, I'm really scared of you! I'm shaking in my boots, you frighten me so!

shake it down

To shake a glass thermometer so that the mercury moves to a reading lower than normal body temperature (and can thus "rise" to indicate the correct temperature when in use). This is the only thermometer you have? OK, let me shake it down and then we'll see how high your fever is. After you've thoroughly cleaned and disinfected the thermometer, shake it down and prepare to take the next patient's temperature.

shake the dust from (one's) feet

To forsake someone, something, or some place as an expression of rejection or as a means of seeking a new beginning. There comes a point in most people's lives when they feel get tired of their job and yearn to shake the dust from their feet. If you find that the people in your life are causing more negativity than positivity, it might be time to leave them behind and shake the dust from your feet.

shake the foundations of (something)

To impact something in a way that affects its very essence, especially concerning its values or beliefs. The death of her son shook the foundations of her beliefs. The election of the outsider candidate shook the foundations of the party, and led to a lot of soul-searching among its members.

shake the lead out

To do something at a faster pace. (Lead is a very heavy metal.) Come on, these papers won't copy themselves—shake the lead out, fellas!

shake with laughter

To be consumed by uncontrollable laughter. Primarily heard in UK. We all shook with laughter when the professor accidentally swore during his lecture. My brother-in-law's wicked sense of humor has us shaking with laughter every time we hang out with him.

shaken up

Greatly startled, shocked, or upset. I was very shaken up after the car accident. I couldn't even speak properly to the police for about an hour. I remained shaken up for most of the day after hearing about my grandfather's death.

shake with laughter

Convulse with the humor of something, as in When asked if he was planning to give away the bride, he shook with laughter at the very thought . [Early 1700s]