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 royal couple watched a marching band and, for the first time on this trip, went on a walkabout to shake hands, which seemed to please the locals out enjoying the Appalachian sunshine.
From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026
“Two coaches meet at half-court and they shake hands, correct? Ever see it? They announce it on the loudspeaker. I waited there for like three minutes.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
As a precautionary measure, the teams did not shake hands after Thursday’s game.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 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
“I know how to shake hands like the men do in Ghana.”
From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English
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.
