The phrase "puts the shake on" means to make someone nervous or frightened. It is often spelled with a variety of different spellings, including "puts the shank on" or "puts the shiv on". However, the correct spelling is "puts the shake on". In IPA phonetic transcription, this phrase would be spelled /pʊts ðə ʃeɪk ɒn/. The first syllable is pronounced like "putt" with a short "u" sound, while the second syllable is pronounced like "the" with a soft "th" sound. The word "shake" is pronounced like "shayk" with a long "a" sound.
"Puts the shake on" is a popular idiomatic phrase or slang expression that typically signifies a negative impact or interference on a person or situation. It is often used to describe a situation where someone or something disrupts or negatively affects a desired outcome or plans.
The term "shake" symbolizes a disturbance, disruption, or obstacle, and "puts the shake on" implies the act of causing or creating such disturbance. The phrase is commonly used in informal conversations or informal writing.
For example, consider a situation where a couple is planning a romantic getaway but encounters several unexpected setbacks. They might describe these unfortunate circumstances by saying, "Every time we make plans, something or someone puts the shake on us." Here, "puts the shake on" implies that some external force or factor continually disrupts their plans.
Similarly, the phrase can be used to express disappointment or frustration with repetitive obstacles or failures in achieving goals. It conveys the idea that an unseen force is consistently interfering with desired outcomes.
Overall, "puts the shake on" is an idiomatic expression commonly used in spoken language to describe negative interference or disruption in various circumstances, signifying a sense of frustration or disappointment when things do not go according to plan.