Shake/rock the foundations of something
verb phrase
To deeply upset, shock, or change a system or organization.
The unexpected loss in the election really shook the foundations of the party.
Often appears as...
- shake the foundations of the system
- shake the foundations of the community
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To surprise or impress someone so much that they have to radically change their opinions or beliefs.
His explosive revelation really rocked the foundations of their long-held beliefs.
Often appears as...
- rock the foundations of beliefs
- rock the foundations of assumptions
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To deeply upset, shock, or change a system or organization.
The unexpected loss in the election really shook the foundations of the party.
Often appears as...
- shake the foundations of the system
- shake the foundations of the community
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To surprise or impress someone so much that they have to radically change their opinions or beliefs.
His explosive revelation really rocked the foundations of their long-held beliefs.
Often appears as...
- rock the foundations of beliefs
- rock the foundations of assumptions
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Impact
The phrase often describes significant changes or events affecting large groups, not just individuals.
The technological breakthrough shook the foundations of the industry.
Pro Tip 2/3Strong Emotion
It suggests reactions that are powerful and emotional, rather than mild or indifferent.
The scandal shook the foundations of the organization, leaving everyone distraught.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
Remember, this is not about physical shaking but a metaphor for causing a disturbance.
The coup shook the foundations of the government, altering the political landscape.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Impact
The phrase often describes significant changes or events affecting large groups, not just individuals.
The technological breakthrough shook the foundations of the industry.
Pro Tip 2/3Strong Emotion
It suggests reactions that are powerful and emotional, rather than mild or indifferent.
The scandal shook the foundations of the organization, leaving everyone distraught.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
Remember, this is not about physical shaking but a metaphor for causing a disturbance.
The coup shook the foundations of the government, altering the political landscape.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Impact
The phrase often describes significant changes or events affecting large groups, not just individuals.
The technological breakthrough shook the foundations of the industry.
Pro Tip 2/3Strong Emotion
It suggests reactions that are powerful and emotional, rather than mild or indifferent.
The scandal shook the foundations of the organization, leaving everyone distraught.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
Remember, this is not about physical shaking but a metaphor for causing a disturbance.
The coup shook the foundations of the government, altering the political landscape.
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