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.
Government sources in Berlin said they were expected to shake hands on a new package of military support worth more than $1 billion.
From Barron's ● Oct. 4, 2026
The Southern California natives are sure to shake hands after games and discuss happenings back home while never forgetting that “Winter is Coming.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 13, 2026
Several world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, have walked the red carpet outside the Great Hall of the People to shake hands with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026
In part by dispatching health workers with megaphones to remind residents in traffic-clogged streets not to shake hands or hug.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026
Others reached out as if to shake hands in greeting.
From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart
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.
