Cryptic crossword clue
Shakes – it’s a verb

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word VIBRATES

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
V
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The straight part
We know that "Shakes – it’s a verb" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case shakes – it’s a verb = vibrates.
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 VIBRATES mean?

VIBRATES verb
  1. To shake with small, rapid movements to and fro.
  2. To resonate.
  3. To brandish; to swing to and fro.
  4. To mark or measure by moving to and fro.
  5. To affect with vibratory motion; to set in vibration.
  6. To please or impress someone.
  7. To use vibrato.

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