T-learning # Idiom
Speak Like a Native

Let’s shake things up a bit !

Choose the correct definition a, b or c.

a) Let’s settle things down

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.

b) Let’s lose the spark

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.

c) Let’s change habits

Well done ! That’s the right answer.

To shake things up’ means to make changes to something, especially to introduce new ideas or methods. It is often used in a positive way, to suggest that change is needed.

Overall, the phrase ’to shake things up’ is a versatile way to describe change. It can be used to describe positive changes, negative changes, and everything in between.

French translation

bousculer un peu les choses, faire bouger les lignes, mettre du piment dans la vie, donner un coup de fouet

How NOT to translate : *secouer un peu les choses
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Examples in the press

’Nadal and Raducanu comebacks can shake up tennis in 2024

Osaka and Kerber are among the grand slam winners looking to disrupt the status quo of 2023 and reclaim their place at the top

Rafael Nadal has been here many times before. Throughout his 23 years as a professional tennis player, the 37-year-old’s career has been defined as much by incessant injuries as it has by his supreme success. Nearly every part of his body has betrayed him at some point, yet each time he fell, he found his way back to the top.

The Guardian, 29 Dec. 2023

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Everyday usage

The new CEO is shaking things up at the company.

‘We’re just stuck in a rut, Albert, doing the same things. Let’s shake things up a bit in the new year !’
‘OK, Barbara. What about flying to Mumbai ?’

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

Claramedia, 30 Dec. 2023