shake things up
Disturb the status quo
To shake things up is to make significant changes to disrupt established routines or stir activity in a stagnant situation.
A new manager might shake things up by reorganizing departments.
The phrase implies positive disruption—breaking complacency rather than causing chaos.
Sometimes shortened to shake up: The industry needs a good shake-up.
- disruptInterrupt and disorder
- rock the boatDisturb a stable situation
- stirMix by circling
- stir the potDeliberately create or prolong conflict
- upsetDisturb, topple, or shock
turn upside down · transform · revolutionize · game changer · overhaul · rattle · throw a wrench · jolt · unsettle · reinvent · break the mold · refresh · breath of fresh air · reboot · new broom · agitate · rock · upend
- Cause a stirmake waves, rock the boat, stir the pot, raise eyebrows, ruffle feathers
- initiativetake action, taking initiative, go for it, initiating, take the lead
- changechange, flux, transformation, metamorphosis, alteration
- making troublemake waves, stir the pot, raise Cain, kick up a fuss, upset the apple cart
- disruptorsUber, disruptor, Airbnb, disruption, Netflix
shake things upkeep the peace
Prevent discord or conflict
toe the line · play it safe · follow the rules · go along to get along · conform
shake things upstagnate
Cease to develop
coast · go through the motions · rest on one's laurels · tread water · sit on one's hands
shake things upkeep the peace
Prevent discord or conflict
stay the course · leave well enough alone · steady the ship · conserve · stabilize
shake, shakes, shaken, shaking, shaker, shakers, shaky, shakily, shakiness