Definition & Meaning of "mover and (a) shaker"

What is the origin of the idiom "mover and shaker" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "mover and shaker" is uncertain, and there are a few possible explanations for its origin. One theory is that the phrase comes from the world of dance, where a "mover" is a dancer who is skilled at moving gracefully and elegantly, while a "shaker" is a dancer who is skilled at moving with energy and enthusiasm. The phrase may have originally been used to describe a person who was skilled at both styles of dance, and was therefore able to move with both grace and energy on the dance floor. The second theory for the origin of the idiom "mover and shaker" is that it comes from the world of machinery, specifically the terminology used to describe the different parts of a machine. In this context, "movers" are the parts of a machine that cause other parts to move, while "shakers" are the parts that vibrate or shake. Over time, the phrase "mover and shaker" came to be used more broadly to refer to people who were skilled at making things happen or bringing about change, particularly in business or politics.