From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishshake down phrasal verb1 shake somebody ↔ downFORCE somebody TO DO something American English informal to get money from someone by using threats → shakedown Corrupt officials were shaking down local business owners.2 shake somebody/something ↔ downLOOK FOR American English informal to search a person or place thoroughly → shakedown3 if a new situation or arrangement shakes down, people start to get used to it and it becomes more effective The restructure has shaken down, and staff are showing a new sense of purpose. → shake→ See Verb tableFrom Longman Business Dictionaryshake down phrasal verb1[transitive] shake somebody → down American English informal to get money from someone, using threatsThe former business agent was charged with shaking down contractors.2[intransitive] informal if a new situation or arrangement shakes down, people start to get used to it and it becomes more effectiveThe restructure has shaken down, and staff are showing a new sense of purpose. → shake→ See Verb table
