揺ゆさぶりをかける

expression, ichidan verb

try to unsettle someone; throw off balance

Figuratively shake someone's mental or emotional stability, often through probing questions or psychological pressure.

• 面めん接せつ官かんはわざと難むずかしい質しつ問もんで応おう募ぼ者しゃを揺ゆさぶりをかけた。

  The interviewer deliberately tried to unsettle the applicant with difficult questions.

• 彼かれは冷れい静せいだったが、相あい手ての挑ちょう発はつが揺ゆさぶりをかけてきた。

  He was calm, but the opponent's provocation tried to throw him off balance.