gentlemen's agreement

American  

Or gentleman's agreement

noun

1. an agreement that, although unenforceable at law, is binding as a matter of personal honor.

2. an unwritten agreement by a socially prominent clique, private club, etc., to discriminate against or refuse to accept members of certain religious, racial, national, or other groups.

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gentlemen's agreement British  

noun

1. a personal understanding or arrangement based on honour and not legally binding

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Etymology

Origin of gentlemen's agreement

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

Leverkusen had a gentlemen's agreement with Alonso by which he could leave if one of this former clubs came calling, a door open to Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real.

From BBC • May 12, 2025

“We made a gentlemen’s agreement that we’ll play and then we’ll figure it out,” Olivas said.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 30, 2021

According to Stone and Borman, by the end of a long weekend, they reached a gentlemen’s agreement: Stone would option the novel — if Kucherena could provide regular access to his client.

From New York Times • Aug. 30, 2016

He described a gentlemen’s agreement of sorts between Krahun and North Korean officials.

From Slate • Nov. 7, 2013

Aircraft out ... gentlemen's agreement ... quite understand ... well ... landingbarges ...

From Greener Than You Think by Moore, Ward