shake the plum tree

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Verb

shake the plum tree (third-person singular simple present shakes the plum tree, present participle shaking the plum tree, simple past shook the plum tree, past participle shaken the plum tree)

1. (idiomatic, uncommon) To obtain a source of advantage, such as for political favors or appointments.