shuffle

Everyday

1. To shuffle cards means to mix them up so they are in a random order. tree →
2. To shuffle means to walk slowly, dragging your feet along the ground. tree →
3. To shuffle things means to move them about or change their order («shuffle papers»). tree →
4. To shuffle can mean to move your feet or body about because you are nervous or bored. tree →
5. A shuffle is the act of shuffling, or a setting that plays songs in random order. tree →

In the lessons

In maths, shuffling cards is used for probability and random order: after a good shuffle, each card is equally likely to be anywhere. In stories a shuffling walk shows tiredness, age or shyness. In music apps «shuffle» plays songs in random order. Phrases: «shuffle the cards», «shuffle along», «on shuffle», «shuffle your feet».

Examples

• Shuffle the cards before you deal. tree →
• The old man shuffled down the corridor in his slippers. tree →
• Pick up your feet; don't shuffle! tree →
• She shuffled her papers nervously. tree →
• The pupils shuffled their feet while they waited. tree →
• My playlist is on shuffle. tree →
• After the shuffle, the chance of the top card being an ace is 4 out of 52. tree →
• The teacher shuffled the name cards to pick a helper. tree →
• Uncle Remus shuffled around in an awkward, embarrassed way, scratched his head, and looked uncomfortable. tree →

Note

Regular verb: «shuffled», «shuffling». In maths problems, «shuffled» means the order is random, so every card has an equal chance of each position.