“Shake a Leg” vs. “Hurry Up”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “shake a leg” and “hurry up”

  • "Shake a leg" has a more playful connotation than "hurry up."
  • "Shake a leg" often implies an element of enthusiasm or eagerness, while "hurry up" is typically more neutral in tone.
  • "Hurry up" is a more straightforward request to move quickly, while "shake a leg" can also carry a sense of starting or initiating something.
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What is the definition of “shake a leg” and “hurry up”?

Shake a leg
  • To hurry or move quickly, especially in response to a request or command.
  • Can also carry a connotation of excitement or enthusiasm, as in "let's shake a leg and get this party started!"
Hurry up
  • To move or act quickly, often in response to a deadline or urgency.
  • Often used as an imperative command to speed up or finish a task quickly.
  • Can carry a sense of impatience or frustration, as in "hurry up already!"

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Hurry up” is the more popular variant on the web.
Shake a leg
747,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. We need to leave in five minutes, so shake a leg and finish getting ready.
  2. Come on, shake a leg! We don't have all day.
  3. The party starts at eight, so we should shake a leg and get there early.
More popular
Hurry up
29,400,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. Hurry up and finish your breakfast, or you'll be late for school.
  2. We need to catch the train in ten minutes, so hurry up and pack your bags.
  3. Hurry up! The movie starts in five minutes.
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