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]
-
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 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
"They even shake hands with the settlers. It's like they're friends."
From Barron's ● Aug. 19, 2026
The short audience is known as "kissing hands" - although in practice, these days male premiers simply bow and shake hands with the monarch after accepting their offer to form a government.
From BBC ● Jul. 20, 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
All the Granger players except Will and Steve walked off without lining up to shake hands with Mercer Day.
From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan
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.
