shake hands
Idioms-
Also, shake someone's hand . Clasp another's hand in greeting, farewell, or congratulation or as a sign of friendship or goodwill. For example, Stop fighting, boys; shake hands and be done with it , or You won first prize? Let me shake your hand . [Early 1500s]
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shake hands on . Confirm a promise or bargain, as in We didn't sign a contract; we simply shook hands on our agreement . [Early 1900s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The two teams declined to shake hands in a precautionary measure.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
The teams have declined to shake hands in recent international fixtures.
From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026
The Indian captain would not say whether his players would shake hands after snubbing the Pakistan team in three Asia Cup meetings in Dubai last year.
From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026
He would shake hands with fans before delivering his opening monologue.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026
That night, after he had kissed his sisters, he thought proper to forget even to shake hands with me, but left the room in silence.
From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
