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.
His floppy ears, grumpy little face and paws you just want to shake hands with.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026
Korpatsch refused to shake hands with her opponent after prevailing 6-2 2-6 6-3 in a second-round match overshadowed by lingering tension.
From BBC • May 27, 2026
As a precautionary measure, the teams did not shake hands after Thursday’s game.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026
Like schoolyard kids forced to shake hands after a nasty fight, Americans could use a healthy respect for good form, even at the risk of being hypocrites.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026
Smudge had committed a terrible offense: no one was allowed to shake hands with a prince.
From "The Whipping Boy" by Sid Fleischman
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.
