The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word MARACAS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
M
A
R
A
C
A
S
More clues leading to the result MARACAS
- Some instruments ruin a group aiming for harmony
- Heading away from capital on motorway, they get the shakes
- Instruments responsible for a calcium-filled world
- Damage airman starts to appraise, slowly rattling instruments
- Mascara make-up used by Latin American entertainers
- Frenchman at capital, losing capital
- Pair shaken by 8’s mascara running
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "they get the shakes" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case they get the shakes = maracas.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does MARACAS mean?
MARACAS noun- A Latin American percussion instrument consisting of a hollow-gourd rattle containing pebbles or beans and often played in pairs, as a rhythm instrument.
- (in the plural) breasts