To cause a significant change or disruption in a situation, often to introduce new ideas or perspectives.
When do you use "Shake things up"?
This phrase is appropriate in contexts where there is a need to introduce new ideas, alter existing plans, or create excitement in a routine situation, such as in business meetings, creative brainstorming sessions, or discussions about personal life changes.
"Shake things up" Usage Examples
The new manager is determined to shake things up in the department and challenge the old ways of doing things.
We need to shake things up if we want to attract more customers to our store.
After years of the same routine, she decided to shake things up by taking a spontaneous trip.
The film attempts to shake things up in the genre by blending comedy with horror.
His innovative approach really shook things up at the conference, inspiring others to think differently.
"Shake things up" Explained
The phrase 'shake things up' likely derives from the literal act of shaking an object to mix its contents or to create a disturbance. The metaphorical usage suggests instigating change or movement in a stagnant situation, making it more dynamic or engaging. It captures the essence of initiating change rather than allowing things to remain as they are.