shake off

To get better after an illness, or stop having its unpleasant effects.

• I cannot shake off this cold.
• She shook off the flu after a week.
• A short walk helped him shake off his tiredness.

How to use it: shake off something / shake something off (I finally shook the cough off.)

Similar words: get over, recover from

Common phrases: shake off illness, shake off fatigue, shake off something

To remove something from your body or another surface by making quick movements.

• The dog shook off the water.
• She shook the dust off her jacket.
• Shake off the snow before you come inside.

How to use it: shake something off (She shook the snow off her coat.); shake something off something (He shook the mud off his boots.)

Similar words: shake away

Common phrases: shake off dust, shake off water, shake off something

To escape from someone who is following or chasing you.

• We need to shake off that car.
• She shook off her pursuer in the crowd.
• Have you managed to shake them off?

How to use it: shake someone off (We turned twice to shake them off.)

Similar words: lose, evade, escape

Common phrases: shake off someone, shake off pursuers, shake off police

To stop being connected in other people’s minds with a claim or rumor about you.

• She struggled to shake off the rumors.
• The company has not shaken off allegations of corruption.
• Can he shake off the suspicion surrounding his appointment?

How to use it: shake off something / shake something off (He has never shaken off the allegations.)

Similar words: live down, shed

Common phrases: shake off allegations, shake off rumors, shake off suspicion