Shake a leg Meaning in English
expression
ˈʃeɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈɫɛɡ
SHAYK-uh-LEG
ʃˈeɪk/ /æɪ/ /lˈɛɡ
SHAYK-uh-LEG
Definition
This informal expression means to hurry up or move faster, often used to tell someone to get going or be quick.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal and slightly humorous. Often used when encouraging kids, friends, or teams, never in serious or formal contexts. Usually a mild command, like 'Come on, shake a leg!' Don't use literally—it's an idiom for hurrying.
Spanish: date prisa - apúratePortuguese (BR): anda logo - se apressePortuguese (PT): anda lá - despacha-teChinese (Simplified): 快点Chinese (Traditional): 快點Hindi: जल्दी करोArabic: أسرعBengali: তাড়াতাড়ি করো - নড়ে চলোRussian: поторопись - пошевеливайсяJapanese: 急いで - 早くしてVietnamese: nhanh lên - mau lênKorean: 서둘러 - 빨리 움직여Turkish: acele et - çabuk olUrdu: جلدی کرو - تیزی دکھاؤIndonesian: cepatlah - buruan
Example Sentences
Come on, shake a leg or we'll be late.
basic
Please shake a leg and finish your homework.
basic
If you don't shake a leg, you will miss the bus.
basic
Hey! Shake a leg—the movie's about to start!
natural
You'd better shake a leg if you want to catch up with them.
natural
I told my brother to shake a leg or we'd miss our train.
natural